You can help to put the smile back on the face of Sadie Stevens, the saddest little girl in Birmingham.
Today, the Evening Mail launches a fund-raising campaign for the brave youngster who lost a leg after being hit by a police car. All the money you raise for The Sadie Fund, will go towards helping the 11-year-old in her battle to adapt to life following the tragedy.
The Mail decided to launch the fund after a flood of calls from readers touched by the plight of the schoolgirl.
Parents Brian and Karen Stevens, of Geach Street, Newtown, said they were delighted that the fund had been launched. Mr Stevens, aged 52, said: It is a wonderful idea. We are grateful for anything which will help our daughter.
We are overjoyed to hear about this fund and are really touched.
The couple have four other children and have been mounting a daily bedside vigil for Sadie, who has had a series of operations at Birmingham Childrens Hospital.
Our dearest wish and biggest dream is that Sadie gets well soon and can lead as normal a life as possible, said Mr Stevens.
Its a sad fact that our daughter will need a lot of help for some time to come. This appeal can only be a good thing and has come at just the right time.
Mail editor Roger Borrell said: We have been overwhelmed by messages of support for Sadie and several readers have asked how they can help.
While she will get some state support, it can be slow to materialise and equipment provided is not always top of the range. Mail readers have a long tradition of helping others and Im sure this will be no exception.
Sir Paul McCartneys wife, Heather Mills, suffered a similar fate to Sadie and she has been campaigning for better quality NHS artificial limbs. Today, Sadie was continuing to recover after surgeons amputated her leg from the knee down.
The Holte Secondary School pupil was thrown into a parked car by the impact of being hit by an armed police car, on the A34 Birchfield Road on February 7.
