A FUNDRAISING appeal to to pay for pioneering therapy for a St Albans youngster has already topped the £6,000 mark.

Donna and Gary Blow from Beverley Gardens, Jersey Farm, refused to accept medical advice which wrote off their baby daughter as a 'vegetable'.

Charlotte, who is now two, was born with a rare brain disorder called microcephaly, which results in her having little control over her bodily movements.

Mrs Blow said: 'All her senses are normal and her mind is alert and responsive, but she is trapped in a body that does not move by itself.'

Charlotte was diagnosed with the condition when she was only a few months old and doctors told her family that she had very little chance of leading a normal life.

The Blows rejected this advice and began a demanding daily programme of physical therapy, but in April they launched an appeal to enrol Charlotte on a pioneering programme with a Russian physiotherapist which they hope will lead to faster results.

The treatment costs at least £5,000 and involves up to six weeks of intensive treatment followed by weekly sessions.

The family have been overwhelmed by the generosity of of everyone who has supported the appeal.

'It has really restored our faith in humanity,' said Mrs Blow, who also has a five-year-old son, Laurence.

A family disco at Sandridge raised more than £5,000 and a further £1,025 was donated by family friend, Mr Phill Coates from The Ridgeway, who organised a team from the St Albans Striders to take part in the Review Half Marathon. His fellow runners were Sam Pullen, Simon Claridge, Kevin Morris, Nerissa Moore and Glen Attewell.

Mrs Blow added: 'We are delighted with the support so far.

'But we are going to have to look at this as a long-term project and keep the appeal going, probably for a couple of years, so we would welcome any donations or any ideas for fundraising events.'

Charlotte has already started on a course of immuno-acids designed to reactivate 'sleeping' brain cells which have resulted in her becoming more alert and relaxed but this costs £1,600 and is only the first of several.

She is also due to start on 100 per cent pure oxygen treatment to help to reduce the swelling in her brain and improve the quality and flow of blood as well as improve her general health.

The family are now waiting to hear when the Russian treatment is due to start but are hopeful that it will be before the end of the year.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the appeal or to fundraise on Charlotte's behalf can call 01727 856879.