A REDDITCH woman has pledged to do all she can to help raise £10,000 in just three months to help get a little girl a second chance of life.

36-year-old Sarah Pitts, a student operating department practitioner at The Alexandra Hospital, is trying to raise the cash for 13-year-old Ciara Barry who suffers from Rett Syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of the brain, and scoliosis.

Ciara and her family need to travel to Miami in America by April 19 to take part in an intensive therapy programme.

The alternative is risky surgery in the UK, which could lead to life-threatening complications.

Mrs Pitts, who met Ciara and her family at a Playgroup, said: "Just after the new year I rang Sam for a chat and a catch-up and it was then that she told me about what the doctors had said about Ciara.

"Sam said she couldn't imagine how she was going to get to America as she doesn't have that sort of money. I told her that she was not on her own and that there were JustGiving sites, facebook, and other social media - I told her we would raise the money she needs."

At the age of three Ciara, from Stratford upon Avon, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

Now at 13-years-old she has developed scoliosis with a 78 degree lumbar curve. Consultants have explained that due to hormones in teenage years this will regress dramatically from April onwards leaving her ribs rubbing against her hips.

The only option available in the UK is surgery, meaning a metal rod being inserted into her back and her spinal cord attached to it.

There would be extreme complications with the surgery as Ciara is allergic to metal. It could cause further brain damage, stop her from walking and will mean constant infections in her spine.

However, there is a pioneering treatment programme in Miami that stops scoliosis from progressing and even reverses it to some degree. It also relieves pain and avoids surgery.

Mrs Pitts added: "I have never done any fundraising like this before.

"I set about ringing lots of charities either to do with Rett Syndrome, scoliosis or sick children and after lots of investigations, phone calls, and emails finally one agreed to working with me - Tree of Hope.

"I have also written to a number of local businesses for help and persuaded my husband to do a sky dive to raise cash. Whatever it takes I will get them on that plane in April."

She is also organising a number of fundraising events taking place in the town.

For more information or to donate, visit justgiving.com/keepciarawalking.