THE parents of a disabled tot hope she may one day talk and sit unaided following a very encouraging fortnight of intensive treatment in Slovakia.

Three-year-old Ava Roberts, whose development has been severely limited by seizures since she was a baby, returned home to Nettlesworth, County Durham, from the Adeli Medical Centre, in Piestany, yesterday (Monday, August 4).

Over two weeks, she underwent a broad range of cutting-edge therapy aimed at stimulating her muscle growth and control.

She gained movement, flexibility, neck strength and head control.

Her mother, Judith Roberts, said: “I think it’s gone really well.

“We’re starting to see some good signs and hopefully they will continue over the next couple of weeks.”

Ava, her mother, father Mark and sister Molly, aged six, made the 2,400-mile round trip together after friends and relatives helped raise the £4,000 needed to cover their costs in just a few weeks.

That came after supporters had already raised £12,000 in five months last year to send the youngster for similar treatment at Therapies 4 Kids, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

Over 12 days in Piestany, Ava underwent hot and cold, oxygen, speech, muscle, physical and mud treatments and therapies, sometimes for several hours a day.

The family were so impressed with the Slovakian treatment and care they have booked for Mrs Roberts and Ava to return for two weeks next April.

That means raising another £4,000, although they already have £700.

Upcoming fundraising events include a coffee morning at the Four Clocks Centre in Bishop Auckland on Saturday, September 13, and a fashion show at the town’s M&Co later that month.

A major charity ball is planned for Durham County Cricket Ground on Saturday, November 15, to mark Ava’s fourth birthday. Tickets are £25 each.

Mrs Roberts said: “People asked why we were going to Slovakia. You don’t expect them to be ahead of us, but they are.”

Mr Roberts added: “The centre was superb. The results were better than expected.”

Before the family returned home, staff at the centre threw a farewell party for Ava, giving her a medal and certificate for responding so well.

For more information, visit facebook.com/foravasintensivetherapyhope2013.