An online fundraising campaign for a Crudwell teenager to pay for life-changing surgery in America has been boosted by a £5,000 donation from the Malmesbury League of Friends (MLOF).

14-year old Avie David suffers from a rare spinal complaint called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) which, unless treated, could cause permanent disability.

In the last few months, her spinal curve has increased, meaning that surgery is needed as soon as possible.

The operation to rectify her situation, called Vertebral Body Tethering, is available in the UK, but not on the NHS. But it is available at the Shriner’s Charity Hospital in Philadelphia, where experience of this surgery is much greater and where Avie has recently been successfully tested.

She is currently waiting to hear from the hospital when she can travel to the USA for her operation, but it is hoped that this will be by July or August at the latest.

Avie’s mother Sarah said: “We are so incredibly grateful to all those who, so far, have contributed, with the MLOF donation, over £31,000.

"This has gone a long way to covering all the costs.”

As a teenager, the effect of AIS as Avie grows will cause her rib cage to push against her heart and lungs, bringing problems of breathing, mobility and pain.

MLOF chairman David Hide said he hoped the donation would make a life-changing difference.

He said: “ MLOF exists to provide medical treatment and equipment not available on the NHS to organisations and individuals who badly need help.

="We sincerely hope that our donation, along with all the others, will result in a successful outcome for Avie.”

To donate to the fundraiser go to https://gofund.me/4e024f57

You can also follow Avie's journey at Fixing Avie's Wonky Spine on Facebook