THE parents of a little girl with cancer are looking ahead to a life-changing trip to America.

Katie Dodd, aged four, is in the middle of treatment for the cancerous tumour, found on her spine, which left her unable to walk.

Parents Lee and Rebecca are hoping Katie will be ready her trip to America for the most advanced form of radiotherapy — Proton Beam Therapy — in early February.

But before she can go for the treatment, Katie will have another operation on her spine to remove the metal plates which had to be inserted following the removal of the tumour last August, when she was first diagnosed.

The plates have to be removed so the treatment can work. Mrs Dodd, from Farnworth, said: “Katie has just finished her sixth round of chemotherapy, so we’re hoping we’ll be ready for America in early February.

“We were in and out of hospital all over Christmas but we’re hoping she’ll have surgery at the end of the month.”

The family will have to stay in America for eight to 10 weeks, which means Mr and Mrs Dodd taking unpaid leave from their jobs. Family and friends are still staying positive in a bid to boost funds for the Katie Dodd Appeal and are planning their next fundraiser.

The event will have an American theme to tie in with Katie’s return from the States.

“Katie’s American Dream” will take place on April 20 at the Holiday Inn in Bolton.

To donate to the appeal, visit katiedoddappeal.co.uk