The family of five-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Edith Creasey have launched an appeal to help their little girl achieve her dream of independence.

Edith, just like other children, loves the seaside, playing with her big brother and going to school.

But despite living by the seaside in Sheringham, Edith cannot play on the beach with her friends or run in the woods, because she cannot walk and relies on a wheelchair to move around.

However now her family hope to raise £15,000 for a new motorised off-road wheelchair - allowing Edith the independence she longs for.

Mum Ruth Creasey, 37, who created a Facebook group last week, has already seen the appeal reach almost £2,000.

She said: 'It is just beginning to dawn on her what her disability is. .

'She does say 'mum I wish I could walk' but she is generally really positive.

'But I feel my job as a parent is to go out there and get her everything I can. It seems so wrong to leave her out.'

Edith, who had a double-hip operation last year, was born 10 weeks premature and suffered a serious bleed on her brain, resulting in extensive brain damage.

Although it had no effect on her speech or cognitive abilities, Edith is unable to sit without straps and cannot walk.

Mrs Creasey, originally from Holt, said: 'I think when we realised she would always be in a wheelchair was at about the age of three.

'Edith is so bright but we don't tell her the whole story. It is really hard.

'When she was born it was such a serious diagnosis I felt so blessed that cognitively she was fine. I try to focus on that but she will always need someone to look after her.'

The life-changing Australian-manufactured chair would allow Edith to travel on most terrains, and would see her through to adulthood.

The motorised chair would allow Edith to move around without help.

'She doesn't want to wait for me to push her,' said Mrs Creasey. 'She needs to interact with her friends without me present.

'I am desperate to provide her with equipment that is going to let her get out with her friends.'

Edith's brother Adam was born 15 weeks early and has from a mild form of cerebral palsy but does not suffer severe effects.

Dad Sean, 40, head chef of the Dun Cow in Salthouse, is planning a sponsored bike ride around the coast of Norfolk in June and Edith's friends at Sheringham Primary School are hoping to host a table top sale.

Mrs Creasey said: 'There is a real feeling that everyone who knows and loves her is doing their bit.

'There are so many innovative projects out there to help, especially here in north Norfolk.'

If the family is unable to reach the fundraising goal they will donate funds to charity Tree of Hope to help other children.

To support the Edith's wheels appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/edithswheels to donate.

To find out how you can get involved with the appeal visit Facebook and search for Edith's Wheels.