FUND-RAISING efforts for a Bromsgrove teenager with severe idiopathic scoliosis have stepped up a gear following a visit to Birmingham City Football Club.
Family and friends of lifelong Blues fan Amelia Hart, 15, have less than two months to raise £81,283 for vital spine surgery not currently available on the NHS.
The surgery, known as Vertebral Body Tethering, will look to correct an abnormal curvature of Amelia’s spine and ensure she continues to play football and have a pain-free life.
Help plea: Amelia’s S-shaped spine.
Birmingham City FC is the latest organisation to throw its support behind the South Bromsgrove High School pupil’s campaign which readers can follow by using the hashtag #Ameliakickshercurves on Twitter.
Amelia’s mum Lisa said: “She was invited to the Trillion Trophy Training Centre by her favourite players Lucy Staniforth and Jacques Maghoma.
“Amelia watched the women’s team train and received a signed shirt from Lucy.
“It was a fantastic day and a dream come true for our daughter who also met others from the squad.”
Bucket collection: Amelia and her family and friends at Redditch Morrisons.
Over the past few weeks family and friends of Amelia have been relentlessly fund-raising – so far securing £15,000 towards the private surgery.
Just last weekend alone, they organised a bucket collection in Redditch Morrisons and Amelia’s brother Sam and dad Carl ran the Birmingham Half Marathon.
Sam and Carl Hart at the Birmingham Half Marathon.
It brought in thousands of pounds for the campaign but they are aware there’s still much work to be done.
Lisa added: “After reading Amelia’s story in last week’s Standard, people were handing us £20 notes.
“They were really getting behind our campaign and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness.”
There’s still time to help Amelia reach her target.
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amelia-kicks-her-curves.
Amelia’s mum Lisa also joined Ross and Harry on this week’s Redditch Standard Podcast to talk about the campaign.
Click here to listen.
