An Angus mum battling to raise funds for life-changing surgery for her disabled twins burst into tears after getting the news the girls have been accepted for treatment by a Missouri surgeon.
It means that once the family reaches their £80,000 target Ayley and Chloe Hirsch can travel to the St Louis Children’s Hospital and undergo the surgery their mum and dad have dreamed of.
Averil Fleming (32) and her partner Frazer Hirsch have so far raised more than £31,000 of the £80,000 target to pay for an operation in America.
The campaign to raise cash for surgery for Ayley and Chloe has captured the public’s imagination since it began in February.
“Both girls have been accepted for the operation,” said an emotional Averil. “We applied months ago and we have been waiting for word back.
“Now we’ve got the news that the twins have been fully accepted. It’s a fantastic day I can’t put into words just what it means. It’s what we’ve been dreaming of since day one.
“When I read the letter I burst into tears. Now it’s confirmed we just need to raise the £80,000 and the girls will be treated.
“We’re currently standing at £31,480, which is a fantastic achievement. I’m hopeful we can get out there in November or December.”
Averil, who was unaware of the surgery until she read of the progress of Perthshire toddler Jack McNaughton in The Courier, said she continues to be “overwhelmed” by the generosity of those in Carnoustie and beyond.
Averil is also receiving continued support from Jack McNaughton’s parents Stacy and Graham, who have been on hand to provide advice about both fund-raising and the operation itself.