A MUM has China in her sights thanks to the kindness of Tessiders.

The Gazette told last October how Teesville mum Jodie Hardwick, 29, was diagnosed with a muscle-wasting condition when she was 11 and has coped with life in a wheelchair - and deteriorating sight - ever since.

Her failing eyesight means she can only see children Rhys and Sian in silhouette - but pioneering stem cell surgery in China could change all that.

And thanks to the generosity of family, friends and many people she doesnt even know, shell be heading to the Far East in May.

With more than 12,000 of her 15,000 target raised, it means Jodie, mum Michelle and her aunty Julie Allport will be jetting out to Hong Kong at the end of May before travelling to the Shixin Hospital in Dongguan, on the Chinese mainland.

Its hoped the treatment she receives there, while not offering a cure for her Friedrichs Ataxia, could slow its progress and even bring back some of Jodies sight, hearing and muscle function.

Treatment on people with similar conditions has seen some improvement with their sight, speech and muscle control.

Its been a whirlwind few months of fundraising for the family - and theyre eager to say thanks to everyone who has helped.

Larger donations have included 2,500 from a fundraising night at the Dormans club in Middlesbrough, 1,000 from Blueline and Marton Taxis and 1,430 from two bucket collections at the Waterloo Road mosque in Middlesbrough.

The Club Bongo International, the Red Lion in Linthorpe and family and friends have also helped hugely with fundraising.

Mum Michelle said: Weve got most of the money in now - we just need that final push to reach the 15,000.

People have donated through the GoFundMe page but its mainly been through direct donations.

Its been unbelievable really, were so grateful. Jodies quiet astonished and excited - she didnt think it was going to happen.

Were flabbergasted at how generous people have been.

Visit http://www.gofundme.com/2tkcv4s.

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Generous Teessiders fund mum's 15000 trip to China for stem cell treatment - Gazette Live