THE parents of a little Blackpool girl with cerebral palsy are a step nearer their goal to buy suitable transport.

Phil and Samantha Smith of Breck Road, Blackpool have to raise a hefty £4000 towards a people mover for the family of four, which includes adopted daughter Sophie, three.

And the Smiths, who have already raised about £2,500, are appealing to Citizen readers to support special fund-raising events this autumn.

Firstly, a sponsored fancy dress South Shore pub tour on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12.

"We've written to lots of pubs and each response has been positive so far," explained Sam. "But we need at least another 15 to 20 pubs to invite us in."

On Saturday, November 2, tickets for a charity night at the Cliffs Hotel, Queen's Promenade, North Shore, cost £2 for adults, children free, and include a hot pot supper provided by the Cliffs.

Attractions include a grand prize draw for a camcorder and an entrance ticket draw to win a DVD player, plus family friend Andi Peat will have his head shaved for sponsorship!

On Sunday, November 3, six or eight pub teams are needed for a sponsored go-karting event, where each team member must raise a minimum £50.

Sophie suffered brain damage, leading to cerebral palsy and other handicaps.

Foster carers for eight years, the Smiths, who are both nurses, adopted Sophie after social workers said the child who nobody wanted might die in hospital.

And it isn't known how long Sophie will live. "But Sophie has such a zest for life," said Sam.

The family have ten weeks to raise the cash towards a replacement for their "battered old" Renault Espace. The type of vehicle needed to accommodate Sophie's bulky equipment including wheelchair, nebuliser, feeding pumps and suction machine, isn't fully funded under the Motability scheme.

Phil and Sam thank all who have donated, including a couple who asked for donations rather than presents for their 40th wedding anniversary. They gave a heart-warming £250.

For more details on the fund-raising events or how to help, e-mail Sam and Phil at Manpha30@hotmail.com, tel 395231, or write to 12 Breck Road, Blackpool, FY3 9DT.