A YORK soldier is marching almost 60 miles to help send his poorly daughter to a specialist institute for treatment.

Corporal Colin McCrudden, 40, of 2 Signal Regiment, based at Fulford Barracks, plans to march non-stop from his home in Strensall, York, to his father-in-law's home in Huddersfield - a journey he thinks will take 24 hours - so that his three-year-old daughter Amber can attend either the Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Development Centre in Chester, or ideally the Peto Institute in Hungary.

Amber has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus and is unable to stand, walk or crawl. Although she receives regular physiotherapy Mr McCrudden said more intensive treatments would help, although it will cost thousands of pounds.

He said: "The type of physio that Amber needs is just not available in this country. We have found out about an institute in Chester, and we are hoping to go there in August but we don't know if that's going to be enough.

"At the Peto Institute they do a very intensive type of physiotherapy, with very strenuous exercises.

"We are sure they can do amazing things for Amber, if we can raise the money."

Mr McCrudden plans to march on May 17, backed up by a support car and a team of six helpers.

To help his appeal telephone 01904 492430 or 0791 9008582.

Updated: 10:40 Saturday, April 26, 2003