BRAVE Brooke Lawrance fights her way through intense physiotherapy every day in her battle to walk.

The seven-year-old, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a tot, underwent two life-changing operations in America last year.

The youngster had the pioneering selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery at St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri in November followed by a second orthopaedic operation on her heel chords just days later.

In the months since the procedures, proud parents Peter and Sarah Lawrance said they have been amazed with Brooke’s progress.

Mrs Lawrance, of Morland Road, Ipswich, said: “Brooke is having physio every day with a physiotherapist who comes to our home.

“We give her the weekends off but we take her on bike rides which is fun physio and not so regimented.

“We don’t really see all of Brooke’s progress because we are with her all the time but when people haven’t seen her for a while they are shocked how far she has come.

“Brooke can now stand unaided for eight seconds and she tries to beat that every day. Eight seconds doesn’t sound a lot but for Brooke it’s massive.”

Experts have told the Lawrances that Brooke should be able to walk unaided in the home and with sticks outside. Mrs Lawrance added: “We don’t see why she shouldn’t be able to walk unaided outside as well because she is so determined to get there.”

Since October 2011, more than £70,000 has been raised for the surgery and Brooke’s continuing care but more money is needed.

Mrs Lawrance said: “We are still fundraising but we don’t really know how much we need because it’s ongoing. We have the money for this year’s physio and to go back to America in November for Brooke’s one-year check-up. We’re only planning on three or four fundraisers a year because we don’t want people to get annoyed with us.”

The first is a golf day at Ufford Park in Woodbridge on April 21 with tee off at 10.30am. It includes refreshments on arrival, 18 holes of golf and a two-course meal, costs £40 per person to enter or £160 for a team of four.

Anyone interested in taking part in the golf day should email pete.lawrance@btinternet.com or call 01473 511799.

Visit www.justgiving.com/brookeswishtowalk to donate.

Send your messages of support to Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or email starletters@archant.co.uk