A COUPLE have launched an appeal to raise £10,000 to help their daughter after she was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder which has left her mute and immobile.

Two-year-old Ella Czornyj became one of the youngest people to be diagnosed with Rett syndrome in March.

The money will be used to send Ella for pioneering treatment which could dramatically improve her mobility, giving her some chance of a normal life.

Rett syndrome becomes obvious between the age of six and 18 months and affects one in 10,000 girls. The child starts to lose her communication skills together with the ability to control hands or legs. This leaves them unable to walk or communicate with the symptoms worsening as they get older.

Mum Helene, 37, of Oak Tree Road, Marlow, said: "This treatment has given us hope, we have seen how they have helped other children. Hopefully it will give Ella more mobility and more independence. At the moment she can't do anything for herself."

Helene, who has two boys aged seven and nine, said they first knew something was wrong when Ella failed her eight-month check-up with a health visitor.

She was sent for a brain scan which revealed an abnormality and was then tested for Rett syndrome.

Dad Mike said: "We were expecting the worst, and you do get a certain relief when you know what is wrong but knowing what the future holds, there is no relief, only disappointment."

Helene, who spends three hours a day doing a physical programme with Ella, said: "I had my day of being upset then, I thought, we have to get on with life. She is still our little girl."

If the fundraising is successful, it will pay for a year's treatment at The Institute for Advanced Neuromotor Rehabilitation in East Sussex.

Teddies Pre-School Music Club is donating proceeds from a day of music, dance and song on Monday. Call Claire on 01628 639878 or Zita on 01628 671146 for more details.

If you can help call Helene on 01628 472289