A FUND to buy a six-year-old Thetford girl a pair of artificial legs has received a big boost from a local pool league.Victoria Watson, who is a member of a local martial arts club, had her legs amputated below the knee after contracting meningitus.

A FUND to buy a six-year-old Thetford girl a pair of artificial legs has received a big boost from a local pool league.

Victoria Watson, who is a member of a local martial arts club, had her legs amputated below the knee after contracting meningitus.

Now, an appeal in her name is trying to raise funds to get her some artificial legs and recently it was boosted by a cheque from the Thetford and District Men's Pool League.

On Monday evening during the Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu classes, which are held at the Thetford Leisure Centre, league secretary Darren Wing and treasurer John Whiffin made a surprise visit.

It was a wonderful surprise for Victoria, and her instructor, to be presented with a cheque for �1,000 towards her appeal.

All the parents clapped and cheered when the cheque was handed to Victoria and her instructor Trevor Steward.

Victoria's story has been featured in the local media and across the internet all over the world. Martial art organisations have featured it on their websites due to her moving and inspiring story.

Victoria fought for her life whilst suffering with a severe strain of meningitis, and the doctors fought to save her hands and legs. They were able to save her hands but had to remove her legs from the knees down.

She stayed in hospital over Christmas and kept fighting viruses until she was fit enough to leave hospital.

She amazed everyone by returning to her ju-jitsu classes only three days after leaving hospital and recently took her yellow belt grading and passed, which was a very special moment for her parents and instructor.

Trevor Steward said the cost of state-of-the-art artificial legs is �8,000.

“My aim is to reach that amount so Victoria can run around the mats like she did when she first started training,” he said. “I hope I can raise the money to give this wonderful and inspiring student of mine all that she deserves.

“She is such a courageous and determined student, and never lets anything get in her way. She will adapt ju-jitsu so it works for her, and has won many grappling contests during her lessons.”

If you would like to make a donation, contact 01953 483795 or Trevor Steward on 07775863398 or via the website at www.ishinryu.com