A family are hoping to raise enough money to buy a computer for their five-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy.

Laura Thorpe, of Rachael Gardens, Silver End, near Witham, needs the computer to help her with lessons at Silver End Primary School, where she has been a pupil since Easter.

"She does not think of herself as a handicapped person," said her father, Roger.

"But she sometimes becomes frustrated when her body won't do what she tells it to."

Laura developed cerebral palsy when she was nine months old, and has just started wearing glasses because she is partially sighted.

"She is doing extremely well at school and the teachers have been brilliant, thinking up exercises which she can take part in," said Roger.

"She needs a computer at school because it will be easier for her to write, and we are hoping to get a lap-top so she can use it for homework too."

Laura's parents are also planning an extension to their house, with a downstairs toilet, to give Laura greater independence as she grows up.

The family are planning to hold various fund-raising events in the village to help them raise the £1,000 for the computer. Anyone who would like to help in any way can call 01245 603340.

Picture: Laura Thorpe at school.

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