A FENLAND couple is attempting to raise £10,000 to pay for a life-changing piece of equipment for their remarkable six-year-old daughter.

Chelsea Compton-Cook, of Hillburn Road, Wisbech, was born prematurely at 25 weeks weighing 1lb 7oz and had heart surgery at three weeks old.

The courageous youngster spent the first four months of her life in intensive care and needed an oxygen machine to help her breathe for three years.

She was also born profoundly deaf but has had bilateral cochlear implants which enable her to hear.

A waterproof ear has been developed which would allow her to live a more normal life but it costs £10,000 and is not available on the NHS.

Lisa Compton-Cook, Chelsea’s mother, said: “Chelsea is a brave little girl who has fought for her life and the right to be alive.

“Now it’s our turn to fight for her and raise the money so her life can be more complete.

“Advanced Bionics, the manufacturers of her implants, make a waterproof ear.

“This type of aid would enhance Chelsea’s life immensely enabling her to be able to go swimming, take a bath or shower and still be able to hear, play with water toys in the garden and join in with the other children instead of watching from the sidelines.

“She would be able to go out in the rain without the fear of damaging her equipment.

“But the model is not supplied under the NHS as they do not class it as a necessity so it needs to be purchased privately at the cost of £10,000.

“Unfortunately we do not have this kind of money so we are asking for donations. Anything people can donate, big or small, would be gratefully appreciated.”

The family has so far raised £5,000 towards their target, helped by £1,000 donations from Wisbech Round Table and the Wisbech Masonic Benevolent Fund.

Chelsea’s father Steve Compton-Cook embarks on a 24 hour fund-raising challenge on Friday.

Together with a friend, he will travel by motorcycle to 16 motor racing circuits in England within 24 hours, a total of about 1,100 miles.

The challenge kicks off at Snetterton Circuit at 1pm and takes in prestigious circuits including Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Silverstone before finishing at Cadwell Park.

You can donate to Chelseas Ears at http://www.gofundme.com/chelseas-ears