Relatives of a disabled six-year-old girl from Sittingbourne have been left stunned by the response to a fundraising drive they set up.

Ella Burgin’s parents, Liam and Sarah, both 28, started a charity page in the hope of raising enough money to fulfil her dream of riding a bicycle.

The youngster has cerebral palsy meaning has had to endure regular physiotherapy sessions to allow her to move properly.

She also suffers from hemiplegia and polymicrogyria - leaving her body almost paralysed on one side and with severe muscle weakness.

Her conditions mean she has never been able to ride a bicycle - something she has always dreamed of.

Since the News Extra published a story about Ella’s family trying to raise the £2,280 needed to build Ella a custom-made bike, her parents have been touched by the outpouring of support and offers to help.

Liam, who is in the army and completed tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, said: “We are just so surprised at the reaction from people.

“We should’ve put the word out about it sooner.

“Ella has never had something like this happen before.

“We told her we are getting her bike and shown her pictures and she is dead excited; she can’t wait.”

Some of those offering to help Ella include parents whose children also have cerebral palsy and already have customised bikes made that would suit her needs.

Bernie Scott, who is family support manager for the south east region for national charity Caudwell Children, has offered to fund the custom build through her organisation.

She said: “My daughter highlighted the story that was online.

“We help children all over the country - power chairs, buggies, all sorts.”

For more details about the charity, visit www.caudwell.com or call Bernie on 07814 121486.

To donate to Ella’s bicycle fund, which has raised £1,645, visit http://tinyurl.com/kwx6swx