Little Dakota Clarke was born with a brain condition called septo-optic dysplasia which has left her with a multitude of health problems, the most devastating of which is her lack of sight.

She will also never be able to have children because of all the drugs she must take to cope with her problems.

Treatment

Parents Wilma and Darren, from Newtownabbey, want to bring their daughter to China for a revolutionary treatment which could help give her some vision and make her future a little bit brighter.

They need £30,000 to make it possible for Dakota to receive a series of injections of stem cells which have already helped an American child born with the same rare condition to partially see.

The groundbreaking treatment is not available anywhere else in the world.

Complications

Dakota, who recently turned two, also suffers from other problems including growth deficiencies, weak muscles, seizures and episodes of severe dehydration.

Her plight has touched the hearts of people from all walks of life across Northern Ireland and donations are continually coming in.

A UDR regimental association in Magherafelt held a bottle push recently at its annual dinner and raised almost £120.

Spokeswoman Rita Hudson said they hoped the money would go some way towards helping Dakota to see.

Appeal

Wilma said the couple have been overwhelmed by the reponse since they went public with their appeal.

She said more than £6,000 has been raised, with further donations and monies from other events yet to be counted.

Wilma said they raised around £1,000 alone from a sponsored walk in Antrim last Saturday.

"It was a great day – we had a hula girl, a whoopee cushion and a clown.

"We also raised £260 from visiting four bars in Antrim on Friday night."

Wilma also said many more events were planned.

Doting

The doting mother said she was humbled by the generosity of strangers who had heard of Dakota's struggle to cope with her disabilities.

"People have been wonderful – we really can't thank everyone enough."

l Anyone who wants to help Dakota can donate from any bank to the following account: sort code 98-02-80; account number 10023681.

You can also help by donating online at a special Dakota Clarke website at www.babydakota.org