AN INCREDIBLE weekend of fundraising for Thornbury toddler Ezzy Hodge has raised more than £7,000 for her campaign to take her first steps.

Three-year-old Ezzy was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy last year, resulting in her parents launching the “Ezzy’s Wish to Walk” campaign, aiming to raise £80,000 for specialist surgery in America.

The money that has been collected from the four events across the weekend has now seen the total raised fly past the £60,000 mark, less than seven months after the campaign was launched.

An astounding £4,200 was raised in Chipping Sodbury yesterday as a group of more than 40 charity walkers pounded the pavements in a 10-mile and three-mile walk around the town.

The event, which was organised by long-time charity walker Sarah Hitchings, saw a range of people take part, including a number of families, with Ezzy herself even taking part for most of the distance in her walking frame.

Ms Hitchings, who has raised thousands for good causes with similar events in the past, said she was “totally amazed” by the amount that the walks raised, and that when she was told the final figure she almost cried.

She told the Gazette: “It is hard to put into words how fantastic this is. I am so happy!”

“A massive thank you goes out to all the people who gave up a couple of hours today to participate. It is down to everyone's kindness and generosity that made the walks a success.

“A huge thanks also goes to my dad, Jerry Milner, who walked with the 10-mile group. He is truly inspirational and always supports me where he can.”

On Saturday, Ezzy was also invited to a charity football match at Ashton Gate in Bristol.

The match, which was fundraising for Ezzy’s Wish to Walk, saw the toddler walk the two teams out onto the pitch, as well as collecting more than £1,400.

Meanwhile, back in Thornbury, hair salon Bryant and Co. opened especially on Sunday to raise money for Ezzy.

Stylists gave up their time voluntarily, with haircuts only costing a donation towards the campaign.

Salon manager Lauren Sims said: “I am really proud of all the staff for giving up their Sunday for this really special cause, and a big thankyou goes to all our clients for their kind donations.”

More fundraising came as a group of young women from Bristol raised £570 by tackling Snowdonia on Saturday.

"This week has been an incredible weekend for Ezzy’s Wish to Walk,” said Ezzy’s mum Angela, who is among a team taking party in a charity skydive next week, despite not being the best with heights.

“I have so much hope for Ezzy, and think more than ever that, with all the support of people who have wrapped themselves around us, we can do this.

"It is down to the community’s strength and the support they have shown for my daughter, and for that, we are so truly grateful. We feel blessed, and know, as we are nearly there, that we can do this."