A YOUNG QPR fan will jet off for a life-changing operation next month after inspiring the community to achieve a mammoth fundraising feat.
Seven-year-old Grace Murphy became on overnight celebrity in W12 after her a campaign to raise £40,000 for the operation hit the pages of the Chronicle and the Hoops' matchday programme in January.
Grace, who suffers from cerebral palsy and has been going to watch her beloved Rangers with her dad Eddie for two years, hopes the selective rhizotomy (SDR) procedure to separate some of the sensory nerves in her spine, will see her quality of life improved.
The youngster went on to win the hearts of football fans and players at Loftus Road who dug deep to raise £20,000 in just two weeks.
Bucket collections at the ground on matchdays and individual donations continued to flood in with QPR donating club memorabilia to auction and the charitable arm of London & Southern Counties Region of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors also handing over a £6,000 cheque.
And the family have been overwhelmed by reaching their fundraising total in just four months.
Her delighted mother Claudette, 40, of Sunbury, said: "We have reached our target to Grace can now have her SDR procedure in America. Grace will now be having her surgery in June, due to the tremendous success of our fundraising journey and everyone's extraordinary generosity.
"Words will never be able to convey our gratitude to every single person who has helped us."
Grace and her family will now fly to St Louis Children's Hospital in the US for the operation before she sets out on a rehabilitation programme.
Mrs Murphy said: "It is going to be long and incredibly hard work for her and for us, but a positive and fulfilling experience. Her determination will shine through as always and help her find a new quality of life and independence which she truly deserves.
"Any funds we achieve over her target will be used on rehabilitation after the SDR procedure, this includes physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, specialist equipment and a return trip to America in 2012 and any other surgery needed in the future."
QPR fans have expressed their delight at the news through message boards and the family's official Facebook page.
Caroline, posting on QPRdot.org forum, said: "Wonderful news!! Wishing her all the very best with her treatment."
C1 posted on www.1882qpr.com : "Well done to everyone that has helped in any way including putting money into buckets before games. As a club and supporters we should be proud to have helped this young girl."
Richie Dixon said: "Well done to all that made it possible for Grace and let's hope that everything will be fantastic for her."
Jacqueline Barun said: "You and your family are an inspiration. Well done and good luck."
Ian Stenning said: "There aren't really any words that can describe what this means. I've come to know all four of you in the last four months and to see what you have achieved is inspirational."
You can follow Grace's progress after her operation at www.gracemurphysdrfund.webeden.co.uk .
