A LITTLE girl has undergone a life changing operation thanks to the generosity of people who have never even met her.

Charlotte Speddy was born with multiple birth defects, including a severe curve of her spine because she had two ribs missing. Another three ribs were fused together and two more were only half size, giving her lung no room to develop properly. She was given just half an hour to live and was oxygen-dependent until she was 18 months old.

But regulars at Rishton Conservative Club working men's club and Rishton Free Gardeners WMC pulled together to support a £100,000 campaign to help the youngster's family fund vital surgery.

Charlotte's great aunt Dot Burns, of Company Street, told her pals in Rishton about the brave youngster and they launched a fundraising campaign with a range of events including a sponsored head shave, a sponsored no-alcohol Christmas and sponsored walks.

More than £3,000 was raised to go towards the Charlotte Speddy Texas Appeal and Charlotte, now aged three, underwent surgery on Wednesday at the Santa Rosa Children's Hospital in San Antonio, Texas - the only place in the world where the procedure could be carried out. The eight hour operation included the insertion of two titanium ribs, the straightening of her spine and rebuilding of the rib cage.

Dot said: "The surgeons are pleased with the way it has gone and her mum said she looks taller already. I would like to thank everyone for their support for the family even though they have never met Charlotte."

"They have seen photographs of her but if they did see her they would see what a marvel she is and how she has fought back. She is so cheerful, nothing gets her down and she always has a smile on her face.I just can't wait to see her walking around properly."

It is hoped that Charlotte, her parents, Angela and Stephen, and twin brother Thomas will be able to return to their home in Bethesda, North Wales, in October after the youngster has fully recovered.