A LITTLE girl who has not eaten a square meal since she was one is poised to go to America for treatment.

Until now, eight-year-old Matilda Merrell, or Tilly, has only been able to smell her favourite food - a bacon roll.

She suffers from Isolated Bulbar Palsy, a condition meaning no food can pass her lips in case it enters her lungs and causes an infection landing her in hospital - a heart-breaking rule her mum has to enforce, especially over Christmas.

Instead, for six hours a day, Tilly is attached to a machine that pumps a fluid nutrient solution directly into her stomach.

But that could change if specialists in the States can fix the nerve mechanism allowing her to swallow properly.

Scared

In just two months the £10,000 needed for the trip is nearly all in the bank.

"I'm nervous and scared about the operation and flying to America," said Tilly, of Borrowdale Drive, Warndon, Worcester.

She added she had enjoyed Christmas - despite not being allowed to tuck into Christmas dinner.

Before Christmas, an e-mail from the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in California said tests could begin on Monday, February 7. Potential treatment could follow if the tests are successful.

"At the moment it's panic stations getting ready and getting Amelia's passport," said grandmother, Sonia Merrell.

Since the story broke at the end of October, individuals and organisations have been fund-raising to gather the cash.

"There's £6,005 in Tilly's bank so far, but the BBC rang us the other day saying they still had cheques for us," said mum Amelia, "and The Lakes say they are still collecting sponsorship."

It's been very stressful and I think we are all growing nervous about the flight and the tests," added Amelia, who was booking flights and insurance yesterday.

Before Christmas, The Lakes pub, on Ambleside Drive, Warndon, held a whole day of cash collecting activities.

Licensee, Alan Hemming, said he was hoping £3,500 would go to Tilly.

"We wont know for definite until about January 6, but I'm hopeful that once everybody has given me their sponsorship, we will be able to give Tilly a big cheque," he said.

And on Christmas Eve, the Blackpole Road branch of Homebase in Brickfields, presented Tilly with a £1,000 cheque, which is already in the bank.