GENEROUS Echo readers have been digging deep to help a little girl who had her foot amputated after contracting blood-poisoning.

More than £1,000 has been sent to our Walking for Sophie campaign to help buy four-year-old Sophie Sivess from Ferndown a prosthesis that looks and feels like a real leg.

Her parents have described the standard NHS prosthesis she's been given as "like a wooden leg."

But there's still some way to go to reach our target of £2,500.

The months Sophie spent fighting for life in hospital meant her father Darren had to virtually give up work and the family have found themselves in increasing debt, struggling to pay the mortgage and unable to afford the equipment she needs.

Our campaign is going strong and among the larger donations is £500 from the proceeds of Ferndown Police Ball.

Readers have been touched by the family's plight and messages of support have been pouring in - some from people who have been moved to tears by Sophie's story.

Darren said: "This has opened our eyes to how nice people can be - we appreciate it so much.

"You can't imagine what we've been through. It has changed all of our lives forever and Sophie will need a lot of care and equipment for the rest of her life. She still has problems with her hips and the growth plates in her legs - it's endless."

Sophie faces further surgery into adulthood and as her body continues to grow she'll need new prostheses.

The receptionist at her doctors' surgery, Sandra Gleeson, and her friend Glyn Foulger plan to walk 26 miles to raise money and have launched an appeal, Walking for Sophie.

To help send cheques payable to Walking for Sophie to: Daily Echo, Mill Court, Mill Lane, Wimborne, BH21 1JQ.

First published: Sept 9