A COUPLE'S dream to create a therapy room for their daughter has come true.

After two years of fundraising by local people, Shelley Dodds' parents have built a specialist play room at their home in Ferryhill, County Durham.

The six-year-old, who has a neuromuscular disorder, has already shown signs of development in the week she has been able to enjoy the facility.

Shelley's condition means she requires a high level of care from her family and professionals because she is unable to walk or talk and has difficulties with digestion.

Her parents, Shaun and Debbie, wanted to create a space with specialist equipment similar to one at Murphy Crescent School, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, after they saw how much she enjoyed it.

Shelly's room features sensory equipment such as lighting, mirrors and bubble tubes to stimulate her mind, and play equipment such as soft blocks and a tunnel to encourage her to become more active and build her strength.

Mrs Dodds, 28, said: "She is already a different child. She is bright, moving more and sleeping through the night because she is so content and happy."

The family's efforts were given a boost by Spennymoor Boxing Academy and businessman Wayne Baister, of Bertie Quality Clothing.

The academy's director of coaching, Robert Ellis, adopted the cause when he met Shelley's aunt, Julie O'Neill, collecting donations at the start of the appeal.

Donations from the club's winter 2002 boxing show were doubled by Mr Baister, making about £2,400.

Mr Ellis said: "When club secretary Paul Hodgson and I met Shelley and her family, it broke our hearts.

"We wanted to support them, and the money just rained down on the night. It is good to see the room complete and Shelley coming on so well."

Mr Baister said: "I was happy to help. I was so touched when I saw her at the boxing show, especially as my daughter is the same age. I am pleased to see it is helping Shelley and her family now."

Factory worker Mr Dodds, 33, said that after the boxing show, the funds snowballed and local schools, businesses, churches and clubs held fund-raising events, along with the family's efforts.

He said: "The support has been brilliant. We did not realise now many caring and generous people there are in Ferryhill, Spennymoor and round about, and are really grateful."