GENEROUS donations continue to overwhelm a Weymouth family in their determination to raise £40,000 so their daughter can have a life-changing operation.

Helen and Robert Kenner from Wyke Regis are raising funds for Tahlia, who suffers from severe Cerebral Palsy, to have surgery that will dramatically improve her quality of life.

Over the past few months they have received donations amounting to more than £7,000 and there is still plenty more fundraising to go.

Morrisons in Weymouth recently held a tombola and charity leg wax event, raising £1,257.

Helen said: "The day in Morrisons went really really well. Just the tins raised £579. My son Aiden raised £579 for his leg wax and Luke Ruggier raised £142 and Tobias Ingham is still collecting his money. It's fantastic.

"The amount of support we have received is overwhelming. So many people are getting involved for Tahlia.

"Ralph Nubeebuckus came round and gave Tahlia £3,069 sponsor money for his marathon.

"A seven-year-old little boy is cycling from Portland Castle to Dorchester Borough gardens to raise money for Tahlia and Tahlia's best friend from school is doing a sponsored swim as well.

"In total we've managed to raise £7,487. We still have a fair bit to go but the way we are going so far I am thinking yes its possible. It's a relief. It seemed so far away but not its all coming together.

"We are now in the middle of organising a Christmas Fete.

"Its been manic but completely amazing. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us."

Tahlia was born at 29 weeks weighing only 2lb 14oz and spent her first nine weeks in the Special Care Baby Unit.

At 15 months she was diagnosed with severe Cerebral Palsy.

Tahlia, now nine, cannot crawl, stand or walk unaided.

Because of the Cerebral Palsy, Tahlia's muscles are constantly contracting, resulting in severe pain, cramps or spasms.

She also has complications with her hips, knees and ankles.

The surgery she needs is called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), and the family have been working with the Darren Wright Foundation to help raise the money.

The family tried to get it funded through the NHS but they only fund 120 operations a year and have therefore set a real strict criteria.

However, Tahlia can have the surgery done privately at Great Ormond Street Hospital and the family are determined to raise the money.

The family are hosting a children's fancy dress disco at The Lugger Inn in Chickerell on Saturday, October 31 from 2pm until 4pm to raise funds and family members and friends, including dad Robert, are braving a 15000ft charity sky dive on Sunday, December 6.

Anyone who would like to donate can visit justgiving.com/Helen-Kenner/ or text TSDR50 to 70070 or can email Helen directly on helen.kenner@yahoo.co.uk

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830985

e: meghan.hindley@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoMeg