A FUNDRAISING campaign to send a disabled girl for revolutionary treatment overseas is less than £4,000 from hitting its target.

Supporters of four-year-old Ava Roberts, who has suffered from multiple seizures since she was a baby, have raised the £5,000 needed to send her for two weeks of intensive therapy in Slovakia in April.

They are also well on the way to covering the costs of a return trip in August, needing just a further £3,900.

Sadly, a painting donated by Hexham-born artist and Olympic triathlete Vanessa Raw which had been expected to bring in more than £1,000 at auction failed to sell last week (Tuesday, January 20).

However, Ava’s mother Judith Roberts, of Nettlesworth, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, said they would probably try again.

She also believes the publicity the auction generated raised £400 for the cause.

“It looks set to be a big year for Ava,” Mrs Roberts added.

Ava first travelled to Slovakia’s Adeli Medical Centre for treatment last summer, her supporters having raised £4,000.

The campaign also covered the £12,000 costs of two weeks’ therapy in Florida in 2012.

To support Ava, visit facebook.com/foravasintensivetherapyhope2013 or justgiving.com/foravasintensivetherapyhope or text ‘AVAR59 £’ followed by your donation to 70070.