NEARLY 1,500 people have joined a campaign group to prevent a severely disabled girl being deported to Algeria.

The Bolton News reported yesterday that Rania Abdechakour’s family fear she will die if she is deported because she will not have access to medical care to help her condition.

Rania, aged five, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and a number of medical conditions, including epilepsy, is partially sighted and was more recently diagnosed with reflex and anoxic seizures in which her heart stops beating.

In just a few hours 1,500 people in Bolton, nationally and internationally signed up to the campaign group on the social networking website, Facebook.

Rania came to Bolton in 2008 with her aunt, Jo Taleb, and uncle, Moussa, to give her mother in Algeria a rest and to get specialist private help for her condition.

It was only when she was seen by doctors the extent of condition was realised. Her aunt and uncle want to adopt her to give her the best possible chance of life and stability.

Mrs Taleb, who also has a daughter, Karima, aged two, said: “So many people are supporting the campaign, I cried when I saw how many people joined in such a short space of time.”

The family, who live in Heaton, are appealing against the Home Office decision not to allow Rania, who attends Oxford Grove Primary School, indefinite leave to remain.

Oxford Grove headteacher Paul Kelly said: “Rania has become a much loved member of our school, cherished by pupils, parents and staff.

“She has been fully integrated into the life of our school and, despite her challenges, is learning slowly but surely.

“Our school is a better place for Rania’s presence.”

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: “We do not comment on individual cases involving minors.

“The UK border agency is committed to a fair system which provides emergency health care to those in need and cares for the vulnerable who, through no fault of their own, cannot return home.”