AN appeal is being launched to help a disabled Romanian girl.

Madalina Zapodeanu came to Bolton for medical tests and returned to her orphanage earlier this month.

But organisers of the "Good News for Romania" charity Kath and David Richardson hope now to raise enough money for the five-year-old to return this year for the surgery necessary to help her disabled arm.

The tot does not have an elbow on her left arm and although surgeons cannot give her a completely "normal" arm they can do something to correct it.

Kath, 47, was alerted to Madalina while on one of her trips to Romania.

The child flew to Bolton, staying with the Richardsons at their home in Wythburn Avenue, Bolton while examinations were conducted.

Her operation is expected to take place at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

The aim is to raise £3,000 for Madalina's trip, with Romanian English teacher Toni Pochiscan, and to pay for her operation and treatment.

Kath and 48-year-old David have been delighted to receive plenty of help and support from Anne and Neil at the Blundell Arms public house, and their regulars.

Fellow churchgoers from St Peter's, Halliwell have also raised money for Madalina.

And although there is still some money left from collections made for Madalina's first trip it will cost thousands more to give the little girl the treatment she desperately needs.

Anyone who would like to help can contact Kath on Bolton 841906 or Anne at the Blundell Arms on Bolton 841194.

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