The family of a Thornbury girl have been hit by the news she will need more surgery in America in order to enable her to walk.

Four-year-old Ezzy Hodge previously visited St Louis in September 2017 after a campaign to raise £80,000 to pay for the cost of the surgery.

Shortly afterwords she took her first steps with the aid of supportive leg splints.

Ezzy has been undergoing regular physio and strength and conditioning to enable her to move more but mum Angela recently noticed a problem with her calf muscle.

Her left foot is rotating inwards and the muscle is developing abnormally, causing Ezzy much discomfort.

After seeking medical advice they were told Ezzy would need surgery to correct her calf muscle and lengthen her hamstring or risk losing the ability to walk independently.

Angela said: “We have been having problems for a while. We have been trying loads of different things and it’s just been getting worse.”

“My gut feeling is that this surgery is the best thing for her.”

Now the family has another fundraising battle on their hands as a further £20,000 is needed to pay for the latest surgery.

Fortunately, a number of people have already come forward to offer help.

A £2,000 donation from Thornbury Round Table originally designed to pay for some walking equipment will now go towards the cost of the surgery.

Sandra Davies from The Swan will again be stepping in to help and previous supporters Rich Duffy & Ross Simmons have organised a charity 5-a-side tournament at Bristol Telephones FC.

“We are very lucky to have people who are willing to help,” said Angela.

If the money can be raised in time Ezzy will return to St Louis for surgery in June.

She will spend two weeks there and shortly afterwards will begin physio sessions once more.

A crowdfunding page has been set up to help fund the cost of the surgery.

To donate go to bit.ly/2QLGPfD. Anyone wishing to help can contact Angela at ezzyswishtowalk@gmail.com.