by Hayley Robinson

The parents of a disabled girl have launched an appeal to raise £50,000 to pay for specialist surgery which could improve her quality of life.

Four-year-old Lola has four-limb cerebral palsy, global development delay and cerebral vision caused by birth trauma.

Her condition means she is unable to walk, talk, speak or feed herself. She relies on a wheelchair to get around and has to wear glasses to see.

Mum Kellie Humphrey, 32, and dad Noel Stockdale, 34, have started a campaign called Lola’s Journey, to raise the money so the youngster, who measures 99.8cm and weighs 14.68Kg, can undergo stem cell treatment in America. It involves taking cells, which act as a repair system for the body, and implanting them into the brain.

The couple will cover the flight and accommodation costs themselves.

As part of their fundraising efforts they plan to hold a fun day at Woodcombe Sports and Social Club, Church Road, Sittingbourne, from noon to 10pm on Saturday.

Activities on the day will include a bouncy castle, tombola, raffle, barbecue, coconut shy, lucky dip, tin can alley and beat the goalie. Live bands are also booked to play from 6pm onwards.

The mum of three, who is currently living in Harold Road, Sittingbourne, said: "Some people have been have to walk after undergoing the treatment but I’m not getting my hopes up even, if she can uses her hands or is able to sit unaided that would be something for us.

"She is just gorgeous and beautiful and I love her to pieces. We feel this is hope and I’ve got to take it and try even if nothing comes of it at least I can say we tried. It is a lot of money to raise so we haven’t put our name down yet because we didn’t want to not get the money in time."

The family plans to hold more fundraising events in the future such as a Halloween wine and wisdom evening and sponsored walk.

Miss Humphrey added: "Our first goal is to raise funds for Lola but please don’t think this is our only goal as the more we raise the more we can help others who are just like Lola. We plan to be around forever and to grow as big as we possibly can, and with your help we wholeheartedly believe the sky is the limit."