A PETERSFIELD mother has launched a £10,000 appeal in a bid to raise funds to pay for therapy which could improve the quality of life for her three-year-old daughter.

Lucy Ashworth-McMillan was born with an extremely rare disorder and her family are appealing to raise money to help send her on the Dolphin Human Therapy Programme in Florida.

Lucy is unable to walk and talk and spends much time in hospital.

ÒBut despite all her difficulties she is a very happy, loving and extremely brave little girl,Ó said her mother Louise Ashworth, of Rival Moor Road.

She hopes to take Lucy to Florida within the next two years for special therapy with the Dolphin Programme. But first she will have to raise between £10,000 and £15,000.

ÒWe cannot go within a year as there is such a long waiting list,Ó said Louise.

ÒBut weÕd like to get there within two years, weÕll just keep going until we have raised enough money.Ó

LucyÕs grandad, Alan Ashworth, would also go on the trip as a carer.

Lucy, who celebrated her third birthday last month, baffled doctors with her symptoms when she was born. It took them five months to decide that she had a rare form of Mitochondria disorder, following eight weeks of brain scans, said her mother.

She is thought to be the only person in the country with Mitochondria. The disorder is a metabolic disease affecting the brain, liver, and kidneys, and can cause fits.

Lucy has quite a severe case of the disease, her mother told The Herald, for which there is no cure or treatment.

As it is so rare, other known cases all have different symptoms, so different treatment is required for every case, and the disease can be life-threatening.

Lucy needs regular physiotherapy and takes medication to help her sleep and to relax her muscles.

For two days a week she attends Waterlooville Jubilee Nursery and in September it is hoped she will start full-time at Futchers in Cosham.

The ball was set rolling for the Lucy Locket Appeal with a charity football tournament at Mill Chase School in Bordon. Pupils, including two of LucyÕs cousins, took part in the event last Friday to help raise funds.

ÒThe evening was a great success,Ó said Harriet Partridge from the schoolÕs PE department.

ÒLots of football, a barbecue and plenty of competition, raising nearly £500.Ó

Other events planned to raise money are a sponsored slim by LouiseÕs sister Pam Haig and friends, and Mill Chase will once again be raising money with a fun run. Tombolas and car boot sales are also planned.

Louise is not looking for a miracle cure from the dolphin therapy. She said she wanted to see if it could improve LucyÕs life .

ÒLucy enjoys the water,Ó said Louise. ÒIf she can co-ordinate her hands or get better eye contact it will be worth it.Ó

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not just about swimming with dolphins, it includes a full programme of physiotherapy and massage from 9 to 5, five days a week, for four weeks.

Anyone who can help out in any way, either by donating money or by organising fundraising events, is asked to contact Louise on 01730 300222.