A CHARITY event which raised about £2,100 has brought a little girl one step closer to a life-changing operation in the US.

More than 200 people attended the fun day at Roxeth Green Free Church, Coles Crescent, South Harrow, on Monday to raise money for Sophie Nugent.

Sophie, who turned five yesterday (Wednesday), was born with cerebral palsy and cannot walk on her own and suffers from mild epilepsy.

Money was drummed up through activities such as a tombola, a necklace-making stall, and a barbecue, as well as donations on the day.

There was a raffle with prizes including a hand-held game console, an iPod media player, and an ice cream-maker, and an auction with the star lot being a signed Queens Park Rangers football club T-shirt which was sold for £400.

A majorette troupe gave a special performance of one of Sophie's favourite songs, One Shot by JLS.

Sophie's family, who until recently were living in Drinkwater Road, on the Rayners Lane Estate in South Harrow, began the fundraising campaign in January.

They are now £1,000 away from their £40,000 target for the spinal cord operation in Missouri, US, and have booked to fly out on July 17.

If successful, the surgery will allow Sophie to walk without needing a wheelchair or walking frame.

Event organiser Melanie Kelly, 42, of Karma Way, South Harrow, said: "I am Sophie's great aunt and because I couldn't afford to give her anything I organised the event for her.

"I started in about March, writing to lots of big stores to ask for prizes and calling anyone who would give away things that they didn't want.

"The fun day was a great success- it was absolutely brilliant, thanks to everyone's help.

"I would like to give special thanks to the Roxeth Green Free Church who let us use their hall. because I couldn't have done it otherwise."