A LEIGH couple are trying to raise around £3,000 to help them take their four-years-old daughter to the renowned Peto Institute in Hungary for specialised cerebral palsy treatment.

And with treatment costing £35 a day and lasting six weeks it is an expensive business with flights and accommodation also having to be found.

But already the fund-raising for tiny Louise Halsall of Selwyn Street has started. Members of Howe Bridge Karate Club have pitched in with £233 from a variety of events.

Louise's dad Denis, 42, a former engineer who was forced to give up work following a disability of his own, his wife Julie, 32, and their two-years-old daughter Lydia are all anxious to raise as much money as possible to allow all the family to travel to Hungary next year.

Denis said: "We are delighted that Howe Bridge Karate Club has already donated money and we thank them very sincerely, but it is going to take around £3,000 altogether for us all to go and for Louise's treatment.

"The Peto Clinic is world famous for the specialised treatment of children suffering with cerebral palsy and we want the best for Louise who has already received treatment in London and can now move about.

"When we first started she couldn't hold onto anything but within two weeks she was able to hold onto parallel bars and is now just starting to walk with two walking sticks.

"We have also had to raise £1,100 to buy her what is called a 'second skin' which is a special suit from Australia which gives her more support, but is will mean replacing it every year or two as she grows.

"I know it is expensive to give Louise treatment but it is worth every penny to us, and we are certainly hoping that if we can raise the money to take her to Hungary we will be offering her an even better chance in life."

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