Source: Western Gazette

YEOVIL parents, who have set their hopes on stem cell treatment in China for their blind toddler, are nearing their fund-raising target to achieve their goal.

Imogen James survived against the odds after spending ten days in the special-care baby unit at Yeovil District Hospital after being born. She was diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia and is also almost entirely blind.

The three-year-old's parents Nick, aged 30, and Lauren, 25, have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people since their story appeared in the Western Gazette in July, explaining how they need £30,000 to pay for the trip and treatment in December.

Their largest donation to date was a £2,000 cheque from Martock Charity shop and, thanks to other contributions, they have reached a total of £18,500.

Mrs James said: "We are very grateful to everyone who has been so supportive. Nick got a phone call out of the blue from the lady from the charity shop saying she had £2,000 to give us. We could not believe it.

"Our family and friends have been very supportive, but we have had complete strangers offering their help, which is out of this world."

The family, which also includes Dylan, one, attended a conference in Manchester on Sunday to talk to others who had either been or were thinking about going to China for treatment. Representatives from the clinic were also available to answer questions.

The event was organised by Darren Clarke, whose daughter Dakota of Northern Ireland is showing signs of improvement after surgery at the Chinese centre. Mr and Mrs James first visited them in April.

Before the conference, Mrs James said: "It will be nice to be with other families who have similar problems. People look at us strangely when they see Imogen still in a pushchair and it is heartbreaking seeing other children her age doing so much more."

Mr James is an aircraft engineer with the Royal Navy, based at RNAS Yeovilton, and the couple recently returned to the town after living in Scotland for six months. One of the reasons for their return was so Imogen could return to the Balidon centre for children with special needs in the town.

The band Storm play a fund-raising gig at the Crown & Victoria in Tintinhull on Sunday 20 September.

Other events are in the pipeline and more information can be found by visiting the website www.helpimogensee.org