Campaign to send India Robertson to Missouri for cerebral palsy treatment (From York Press)

Campaign to send India Robertson to Missouri for cerebral palsy treatment

2:20pm Wednesday 9th May 2012 in Ryedale news

A RYEDALE family’s campaign to raise £60,000 to enable their 11-year-old daughter to get specialist medical treatment has reached £43,000 and hopes are high that the target will be reached in the next two months.

Dr James Robertson and his wife, Jennie, of Main Street, Ebberston, launched their mammoth challenge in January after being told that the only place their daughter, India – who suffers from cerebral palsy – could get selective dorsal rhizotomy treatment was at the St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri.

India, a pupil at Thornton-le-Dale Primary School, uses a wheelchair to get around, although she can manage at home with a walking frame, says her mum.

“The response we have had from people wanting to raise money for India to have her treatment has been overwhelming,” said Mrs Robertson.

A host of events has already been held and now more are planned. These include a concert by the newly- formed Ebberston Chorus, a choir which has been formed especially for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and which will be giving a performance for India at the village chapel on May 25, organised by residents Bill and Angie McCall.

A trip on the Scarborough pleasure boat, Coronia, is being held on Friday, and other events include a coast-to-coast cycle ride, people taking part in a 10k run, a 1980s night and barbecues.

One of the biggest events will be a 999 Ball being held at Scarborough Spa on June 23.

The family has now been given a date of July 13 for India’s treatment, after which she will have intensive physiotherapy during a month-long stay in the US.

“People have been so generous and supportive and we are grateful to them all,” said Mrs Robertson.

India, who has a seven-year-old brother, Joshua, was born prematurely at 31 weeks.

Mrs Robertson said: “The operation and treatment she will get in St Louis has the potential to change her life. She does lead a very full life because she is so determined to succeed at whatever she tackles.”

India has raised funds herself with a sponsored swim while her mum has pitched in by making and selling jam.

The popular youngster has appeared on stage at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds and is a member of the local Brownie group in Ebberston and Stagecoach in Scarborough.

Anyone who wants to help can email james_robert son@prospectpark.fsnet.co.uk