THE mum of two-year-old Retts sufferer Ella Czornyj has been overwhelmed by a flood of support following an appeal in the Free Press.

Helene Czornyj, of Oak Tree Road, in Marlow, has raised a total of £5,000 towards the £10,000 needed to send her daughter for pioneering treatment.

Ella became one of the youngest people in the world to be diagnosed with Rett syndrome in March.

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

The treatment at a centre of excellence is a combination of physical and mental therapy which helps sufferers to cope with severe neurological disorders

Mrs Czornyj said: "I'm overwhelmed with the response we've had. There have been old ladies turning up on the doorstep to give money."

She added: "I want to say thank you to all the people who've sent donations."

Most of the money came in the form of a £3,000 cheque from a charity concert and auction held by Redroofs Theatre School. Helene used to be a pupil and then taught dance at the Maidenhead school.

Lucy Benjamin, who plays Lisa in EastEnders and stared in drama productions with Helene at the school, donated an Albert Square street sign autographed by members of the cast for auction. It went for £650, the most expensive lot of the night.

Sam Keston, head of drama, said: "We are delighted and astounded at the support from parents and children at the school."

Mrs Czornyj said: "Ella went to the concert and met the children. One little boy wrote a song for her and played it on his keyboard, with another little boy on sax. It was great."

Maritz in Globe Park, Marlow, has donated £420.

A spokesman for the company said: "The story touched hearts and we felt it was right to get involved. We wish Ella every success with her operation and hope it gives her every chance of a normal life."

Mrs Czornyj added: "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."

If you can help raise the extra £5,000 needed to send Ella for treatment, contact Mrs Czornyj on 01628 472289