Loving parents are approaching the halfway point in their fundraising quest to buy vital equipment for their three daughters with cystic fibrosis.

Dawn and David Robinson, of Clump Field, Ipswich, launched an appeal in March to raise £10,000 to purchase a physiotherapy vest for their children Sophie, 16, Scarlett, four, and three-year-old Spring.

Their target has been boosted thanks to 14 people, including Mrs Robinson and Sophie, taking part in a 10-mile power walk through Ipswich on Sunday.

Mrs Robinson, 34, said: “Everyone came together and created a really nice atmosphere.

“There were a couple of girls who did the Midnight Walk the night before and followed us on our route as well.

“Sophie completed the walk, but was completely exhausted by the end.

“It took it out of her but she was so pleased to have finished it.”

Mrs Robinson, who also has children Summer, nine, and Declan, eight, said drivers pulled over to make donations while the group walked.

“We actually raised £95 alone from people stopping and waiting for us to pass,” she added.

“We sold cupcakes at the end of the walk at the Royal George pub in Colchester Road and raised around £1,000 in total.”

The power walk was organised by Julie Jones, of Taunton Close, Ipswich.

The 43-year-old’s sister, Michelle Joyce, died from cystic fibrosis when she was approaching her eighth birthday in 1977.

Mum-of-three Mrs Jones, who is a carrier for the disease, added: “We had people beeping their horns and waving at us along the route, which was brilliant to see and hear.

“We had cakes donated by Mummy’s Yummies Cupcakes, Primrose Cupcakes and The Cupcake Company.

“Thanks to All Fix we also had discounted T-shirts and a banner with our cause on it.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the walkers, people who donated money and services and the Royal George for letting us start and finish at the pub.”

Sophie was diagnosed with the condition aged eight, Scarlett at just four weeks and Spring when she was one-and-a-half years old.

The trio endure regular hospital admissions, daily physiotherapy, a cocktail of drugs and courses of antibiotics given intravenously to help them fight the condition.

Mr and Mrs Robinson bought a nebuliser last Christmas which the girls use twice daily.

Money raised will be spent on a physiotherapy vest which vibrates the lungs to help improve breathing as well as a chamber and filters for the nebuliser.

Anyone wanting to donate to the appeal should send cheques made payable to Mrs Robinson or Scarlett’s Health Fund c/o Lauren Everitt, East Anglian Daily Times/Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.