Tessa Bastien aims to raise cash for specialist medical treatment for five-year-old

The grandmother of a Kilburn girl who suffers with severe Cerebral Palsy has vowed to carry on the fight to ensure she takes her first steps by conquering her fears and taking to the skies.

In December last year, the Times reported that the family of five-year-old Mia Ferreira had set up a fundraising mission to find �50,000 which would pay for specialist treatment in the United States and hopefully enable her to walk.

Now, Mia’s grandmother, Tessa Bastien, explained that despite �13,000 being raised so far, she will not give up and is even taking to extreme sports to show her dedication.

“I’m planning on doing an abseil in February, I’m absolutely terrified but I know ultimately it will be going to a good cause.”

The 46-year-old, who suffers with vertigo and motion sickness, will travel to Northampton in March to abseil down the 418-feet National Lift Tower and has also planned a sky-dive for just a few weeks later.

Mia, who is also deaf, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in 2009 and her condition is so severe she cannot walk.

If the family is successful in their mission they will then fly five-year-old Mia, who attends The Village Primary School in Kingsbury, to St Louis in Missouri.

There, they will visit specialist Dr TS Park at the Children’s Hospital. He has helped more than 2,000 sufferers to walk.

Since the last Times report, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have offered signed memorabilia for auction, while Liverpool FC will offer a tour of their stadium and museum.

In addition, the family has been asking local businesses to contribute.

Ms Bastien said: “She is such a lovely little girl and everyone who has met her is just full of praise for her.”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/mias-missouri-mission or contribute directly into the Mia Ferreira’s Mission bank account using sort code 40-03-28 and account number 52663678.