A schoolgirl born with a severe genetic condition is to visit the American surgeon who will change her life later this month.

Big-hearted people from Bradford, Leeds and further afield have raised almost £100,000 to pay for vital treatment for nine-year-old Eve McGuire who needs a tube in her throat to breathe properly.

On Sunday, June 29, feisty Eve will go with her mother Belinda on a flying visit to New York for a consultation with cranial-facial specialist Dr Joe McArthy and his team.

They hope to arrange a date for her treatment for this summer, so Eve will not miss too much schoolwork.

Eve, of Yeadon, was born with an extreme form of Treacher Collins Syndrome, which meant that her facial bones, ears and airway cartilages were not properly formed.

Doctors at Leeds General Infirmary resuscitated baby Eve countless times and were amazed by her will to survive. She now leads as normal a life as possible, but cannot go swimming with her friends due to a tracheostomy tube in her throat. She hears via a special aid implanted in her bone.

Eve's father Mike said: "We are in a really nice position now to give Eve the best options for her future. She has the potential to have a more conventional jawline which will alleviate her airway problems and give her a normal quality of life.

"This surgeon, who is at the forefront of jaw-distraction techniques, has achieved some fantastic results, so she is in good hands.

"The appeal has surpassed our expectations. We are just overwhelmed by people's generosity."

The jaw-distraction techniques involve lengthening the jaw and growing new bone.

Neil Hunt, chairman of the Eve McGuire Trust, which was set up a year ago, was thrilled they had almost reached their target so soon.

"We have raised well over £90,000 now, but the more money we can raise the more we can do for her," he said. To contact Eve's charity or help with fundraising, send an e-mail to: eves fund@aol.com.