A BRAVE three-year-old girl facing an ultra-rare genetic disorder benefitted from potentially life-changing physiotherapy thanks to the efforts of kind neighbours.

A group of five fundraisers from Copford conquered a mammoth 1,500-mile walking challenge in aid of little Grace Beverton.

When Grace was just five months old, her parents found her having a seizure in her cot.

They called 999 and paramedics took the family straight to hospital.

After blood tests, a CT scan and a lumbar puncture procedure, there were still no answers aside from a suggestion there could be underlying genetic reasons for Grace’s seizure.

After further seizures, she underwent an MRI scan, blood screenings and was started on a course of anti-seizure medication.

Months after her first trip to hospital, Grace received her diagnosis.

Doctors discovered she has an extremely rare gene mutation, only recently linked to epilepsy.

She is one of only a handful of people diagnosed with the condition in the UK.

Her loving parents are raising funds to provide specialist and intensive physiotherapy sessions unavailable on the NHS.

The hope is that with specialist help, she will be able to reach milestones such as standing and walking.

The family are also looking to provide her with any equipment or aids she may need to enhance her home environment.

After the family moved to Copford this year, they were made to feel welcome by the community after a visit to the Alma Inn pub.

It wasn’t long before the group of five neighbours and friends heard about Grace’s plight and decided to offer a helping hand.

Walking throughout November, the group smashed their original target of 1,000 miles.

A group associated with the Alma Inn typically undertake a fundraising walk for a different cause every year.

But due to the difficulties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the usual walk did not take place.

But it did not stop the group of determined villagers taking on their own challenge for Grace.

A spokesman for the pub said: “We are so proud of all the amazing people who have walked this year and raised so much money for beautiful Grace.

“The walking may be over but we are still collecting donations.

“The amazing news is that Grace managed to bear some weight in her legs the other week, proof that the donations are really making a difference in the physiotherapy that she is having.

“Thanks to everyone who walked, donated or just cheered from the sofa.”

So far, the challenge has raised more than £8,000 for the cause.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/walkingforgrace.