FOR little Emily Prosser being able to hug her mum and dad was something she could only dream of.

But the five-year-old's life has been transformed thanks to the fundraising efforts of a city community.

The Bishopston youngster was born with cerebral palsy and was unable to walk or talk.

But thanks to kind-hearted supporters raising cash towards specialist therapy, costing £5,000 a year, she has made big steps forward.

Emily has been having Scotson therapy — that uses oxygen and breathing techniques to improve brain development — and the family have been thrilled with the results.

Her mum Cath Prosser, of Pyle Road, said she was thrilled with the changes she had seen in her daughter and revealed she was able to say "yes" and "daddy".

She said: "Emily was five in September and is now in her fourth year under the Scotson technique.

"She started full time school this September at Whitestone Primary, in West Cross, and she loves it.

"She is showing herself to be very artistic and loves to paint, she can now hold a paint brush and, with help, chooses her colours, paint and rinses her brush.

"She is now eating more independently, holding and eating a banana and breadsticks and taking a spoon to her mouth to try and feed herself . Although it tends to go everywhere, it is a start."

Mrs Prosser added: "She started saying yes and daddy last year and is now starting to say mummy and can put her lips together to give a kiss.

"Her gross motor skills (control of her major limbs) are more controlled and coordinated, so she can wrap her arms around you now and give a hug, before she could not control her arms to keep them in a hug.

"She loves the trampoline and can bounce on her legs really well and has just started to use a walking frame."

Back in September, the youngster started relying on an electric wheelchair to get around in the school yard.

Mrs Prosser said for the first time in five years Emily had gained her independence.

"This year Emily has started letting us know what she wants to wear and that pink is her favourite colour," she added.

"We are totally committed to keeping up the therapy because it is making such a big difference to her quality life."

She said annual fundraisers were being held, called Stuff 4 Kids nearly new sale, at Murton Church Hall, to help ensure her therapy could continue.

The sale in Bishopston during November attracted crowds of people — with a total of £725 being raised through the table-top sale alone.

Mrs Prosser said she was looking to set up a website in the new year so people who had supported her daughter could chart her progress.

Plans are in place to hold a musical fundraiser at Mozart's, on Walter Road, tonight at 6.30pm.

Jemma Krysa, Ollie and Niki Stitch, Martin Thomas, Colm and Rob Lear, will be performing on the night.

There will also be a musical fundraiser at The Monkey Bar Cafe, on Sunday, January 31.

elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk