FAMILY and friends of a five-year-old girl are hoping to raise vital funds so she can walk on her own for the first time in her life.

Jessica Morris, of Tillingham, was diagnosed with the rare neurological condition Rett syndrome in 2015.

The disorder affects the development of the brain.

The condition affects approximately one in every 10,000 females, and is only rarely seen in males.

Suzie Bedford, 28, who has cared for Jessica since she attended Tillingham Pre-School said it would “mean the world” to Jessica’s mum Tracey if she could see her daughter walk without the support of a frame or another person. She said: “Jessica is becoming much more socially aware and she is starting to gain an understanding of things.

“I think it means the world to Tracey because Jessica is becoming physically stronger. She has seen a big improvement in her exercises, she is using a walking frame and she is up and moving more.”

To continuing helping, a flower show will be held at the West Field in Vicarage Lane. The annual event raises vital funds for Jessica’s family to help her continue improving and coming closer to walking under her own strength.

Suzie said: “Every year the community gets together for a little fete on the field to support her.

“There are so many people who come together to join in.

“We always do it to raise money for her private physio-therapy sessions and equipment.”

Suzie and Tracey hope to raise enough money for is a hot tub, which will cost around £500. The heat from the tub will help to relax Jessica’s muscles after undergoing physio sessions, which Suzie said would be “beneficial” to her improvement.

She said: “With her condition, children do not normally have very good circulation so if we had her in there around 30 minutes before she goes to bed, it would be a really big help to her.

“Jessica would have the freedom inside the tub to float around which would also be helpful.

“We hope that from the event we can raise the funding to buy it for her, then we will modify it a little with steps so she can get in.”

Over the years, a number of events including the flower show and afternoon teas have been organised to support Jessica.

The group intend to raise £700, matching last year’s total to continue helping Jessica in her treatment.