THIS machine is the answer to a Newport couple’s prayers – because it is the first, important step in helping their little girl to walk.

Little Summerlily Hudd, two, of Rogerstone, has spina bifida and has been confined to a wheelchair all her young life.

We revealed last year her parents Amy and Chris were trying to raise £10,000 for a machine that would allow her to practise cycling movements while lying down to strengthen her legs and help make her dream of walking a reality.

And they were overjoyed when they were offered a second-hand GigerMD device after launching a campaign on social networking site Facebook.

Laura Grove, from Coventry, e-mailed Mrs Hudd and she has a machine for her daughter, Sara, ten.

But, Sara’s condition has worsened and she can no longer use it, with her mother offering it to Summerlily for £2,000.

The Hudds had raised that amount from their fundraising efforts so far, and jumped at the chance. The machine was delivered on Monday.

Mrs Hudd thanked Argus readers for their help and support. She said: “Risca fire station and Staples, Newport, have helped raise money and so many Argus readers got in touch. It was such a good response to the story, and everyone was lovely.”

The five-foot-long machine will allow Ty-Du Nursery pupil Summerlily to exercise while lying down, which will help her muscles and posture.

She is already enjoying using it for an hour a day.

Her mother said: “We never even thought about the possibility of a secondhand machine. It’s best to get sufferers on these machines as early as possible before their bodies seize up and get used to things, so it gives Summerlily the best possible chance of walking.”

Summerlily’s condition affects her spine and central nervous system meaning that no messages are passed between her brain and legs.

As a result, she cannot stand up, with her hips and knees very weak.

“It gives us hope. And if you haven’t got hope, what have you got?” said Mrs Hudd.

The family thanked everyone who helped raise £2,500 – with £100 spent on a courier company, which delivered the machine on Monday.

They will continue fundraising as Summerlily must undergo further tests and may require other equipment. To donate or get involved, call Mrs Hudd on 07966 338336.