Young Matilda actress close to crowdfunding target for spine operation

A young actress who played Matilda in the West End is close to her fundraising target for a spine operation.

14-year-old Lucy-Mae Beacock joined the Matilda cast when she was ten and played the titular character for eight months.

Beacock was born with spina bifida, a condition which means her spine did not develop properly. She stopped growing when she was 13 at 4 foot 7.

Doctors then confirmed she had developed scoliosis and had a 55-degree curve in her spine which will increase if left un-corrected.

Her family hope a revolutionary new treatment, which involves having screws attached to each vertebra and then tethered by a cord, will ensure she maintains full flexibility. The NHS currently does not offer this type of surgery, but it is performed regularly in the US.

Beacock's family have set up a GoFundMe page to raise the money for the operation to take place in America. It has now raised over 75 per cent of the £145,000 target.

On the page, mum Debbie says: 'In return for your support, Lucy-Mae pledges to be dedicated and work hard in order to make a success of her career in performing arts.

'As her parents, we will, of course, be eternally grateful.'

Click here for more information and to donate