A star-studded ball is set to take place for a schoolgirl battling a rare disorder in a bid to help her fund experimental treatment for her condition.

Maddi Thurgood, from Ongar, is thought to be the only person in the UK and one of just 20 worldwide suffering from SPG15 (Spastic Paraplegia Gene 15).

The 16-year-old’s condition causes paralysis of all the limbs, severe eye degeneration and Juvenile Parkinson's.

Her family hope breakthrough gene therapy taking place at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience may help Maddi, but need to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund her treatment.

Supporters of her charity, The Maddi Foundation, have already raised £172,000, but another £52,000 is needed before a trial of the treatment can be facilitated.

Maddi’s mother, Carina Thurgood, said: “It is a parent’s worst nightmare to hear but we couldn't just sit back and let our daughter deteriorate without trying to help save her from this.

“Maddi has progressed a lot in the last year, she walks with a cane as her balance is really bad and she falls over a lot. It has also starting to affect her arms.

“It is awful watching her struggle, I just feel so helpless and we are all suffering from fear of what is going to happen to Maddi.”

Maddi will eventually require more than £1 million in funding if her treatment is able to take place.

The gene therapy will not reverse the symptoms that she has already developed, but it is hoped it will prevent any further decline in her condition, effectively halting her illness.

In order to reach the intial £224,000 fundraising goal, the foundation is holding a gala ball at Down Hall Country Hotel, in Hatfield Heath, on March 9.

The event will include a three course meal and will be hosted by actress Vicki Michelle from Allo Allo and will include entertainment from Britain’s Got Talent finalist Wayne Woodward.

Live and silent auctions will also take place to raise further funds.

  • Tickets for the ball are priced at £80. For bookings or more information, email: carina@themaddifoundation.com, or call: 01279 732125