A mother is campaigning to raise £36,000 for her daughter to have a life-changing operation which the NHS has refused to fund.

Manisha Modhvadia, of Mortlake Road, Ilford, has raised more than £7,000 so far for her 10-year-old daughter Esha Ilyas, who suffers from cerebral palsy, a condition affecting muscle movement and posture.

The operation she needs, known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, when coupled with intensive physiotherapy, would allow Esha to walk unaided, something she wishes to do before starting secondary school in September.

Esha currently has to wear corrective plaster casts on both legs and walks short distances with a frame, while receiving regular injections to ease pain caused by the condition.

The operation is new to the UK and the NHS is unable to provide funding, even though Great Ormond Street Hospital has recommended and approved the procedure for Esha.

The operation involves the division of some of the nerves which enter the spinal cord to free up constricting muscles.

However Great Ormond Street recommend Esha has the operation before she turns 11, therefore Miss Modhvadia is hoping to raise the money needed by March.

Miss Modhvadia said: “Esha is a typical 10-year-old girl. She is bubbly, bright, lively and is in the top groups at school.

“She loves pony riding in her spare time and is looking forward to starting secondary school in September.

“Esha’s dream is that she will walk unaided to her new secondary school, play with her friends and participate in all school activities along with everybody else.”

Miss Modhvadia has raised money so far through charity dinners and community fun days and is planning more events later this year.

A JustGiving page is currently being set up to allow people to donate.

For more information, visit http://www.eshasdreamtowalk.org.uk/