GAZETTE & HERALD: DESPERATE mum Joanne Simpkins is appealing for help to raise money now her daughter has been offered a trip to Florida to swim with dolphins in May.

Danielle, eight, has Rett's Syndrome, a complex neurological disorder which means she can't walk or talk.

She has outgrown the special pushchair she relies on to get out of the house.

But Ms Simpkins' application for funding has been turned down.

A new pushchair costs £1,483 and Ms Simpkins said she needs the money more urgently now Danielle has been offered the holiday with the Dreams Come True charity for young people with life limiting illnesses.

Corsham's Green Ginger health food shop has raised more than £600 for the pair already.

Owners Nina Hammett and partner Stuart Hodgson donated £300.

"We thought we would get the ball rolling and give the first £300," Mrs Hammet, 52, said.

"We are hoping that by our example that other people will say we'll give so much. We just think it's something she so desperately needs. She has tried so hard to do it herself.

"I think it's very sad that funding is not available for such a cause."

Already £350 has been donated by customers and local businesses.

Mrs Simpkins, of Broomfield, Chippenham said: "It is just brilliant.

"It's very, very important to get the pushchair as soon as possible. I can't go anywhere with Danielle without it."

She said during half term from St Nicholas School, Chippenham, she hardly went outside.

The new pushchair could take six weeks to be delivered, but she can't even order it until she has raised the money.

Anyone wanting to donate money can hand it in at the Green Ginger health food shop in the town centre.