AN EIGHT-year-old's life could be changed forever thanks to community spirit, which has raised £10,000 for tests in America - the first step to let her eat her first meal in seven years.

The Evening News first reported on Tilly Merrell in October.

She is flying to California on Thursday, February 5, for three weeks of tests, thanks to fund-raising across the Faithful City.

Her family hopes hospital specialists can change her life and cure Tilly's Isolated Bulbar Palsy - a nerve condition meaning she can not swallow properly.

Food or drink could end up in her lungs leading to infection needing hospital treatment.

"I can't believe the response we've had from the community, everybody's been wonderful and so helpful," said Tilly's mum Amelia, aged 36.

"Tilly's booked in at the hospital for a Barium swallow at 11am on the Monday after we arrive."

"I don't know when we will get the results, but I hope it will be before we fly back home," she added.

Until specialists at the Lucile Packard's Children's Hospital in California give the OK to life-changing treatment, Tilly will have to live with only being able to smell food. Her favourite is frying bacon.

Instead of sitting with her family round the table, she is fed by a tube, which pumps a nutrient solution directly into her stomach for more than 5 hours every day.

The Evening News triggered the public support in the community which gathered together to raise money.

In Warndon - Tilly lives on Borrowdale Drive - the estate's Community Support Officer, Lee Russell has been one of the chief money raisers, and has raised £1,500.

"To be honest, I think it has bought a lot of the community together, and they have shown real community spirit," said Mr Russell.