An appeal to fund a life-changing operation for a Monmouth schoolgirl has raised £30,000 in just seven months.

Monmouth Rugby Club, the Mayhill pub, a law firm and a Facebook page are the latest groups to get involved in fundraising.

The campaign to help Chase Vaughan, who suffers from cerebral palsy, started in August last year.

Chase was born 15 weeks prematurely weighing just 1lb 8ozs and the brain damage she suffered affects her balance and co-ordination.

A pioneering operation called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) has the potential to dramatically improve the six-year-old's movement, but costs £40,000.

Chase's mum Helen Morgan said the support from the people of Monmouth had been "amazing".

"To have raised three quarters of the money we need after only seven months of fundraising is brilliant," she said.

"At first I thought we would have to take the campaign outside of Monmouth but the support that we have had from the local community has been fantastic."

Unless there is a cancellation, the operation is likely to take place in August or September, with intense physiotherapy to follow as Chase practically learns to walk again.

For this reason Helen hopes all the fundraising can be completed before the operation, giving her time to spend rehabilitating Chase.

Members of the Facebook page 'Monmouth New Businesses' are donating £30 each to help Chase.

Samuel Perry, who runs the group, said: "My brother was born at 2lbs 11ozs, three months early and I have seen first hand the problems it can cause.

"If all members of this page donate £30 then we can raise enough for Chase to have the surgery she needs to help her live a normal, happy and healthy life just like the rest of us, something everyone deserves.

"We can all play a part in helping this bright young girl toward the future she deserves and make 2013 a special year for all of us."

Regulars at the Mayhill pub joined landlord Stuart Jones in a 24-hour pool and darts marathon starting at 9am on Friday 1st March.

Stuart said the team had a good laugh while raising £1,843 for Chase, although there was no drinking.

Monmouth Rugby Club raised nearly £1,000 with an auction at a Sportsman's Dinner and its chairman, Lloyd Davies, has taken the cause to his heart.

Lloyd is also managing director of Convey Law, conveyancing lawyers based in Newport.

Convey Law has raised £100,000 for Ty Hafan Children's Hospice over the past three years through its Law Free Legal Fee competition and this year will use the £10-to-enter prize draw to help A Big Wish for Chase.

"Over the last three years our clients have been fantastic in supporting Ty Hafan," said Lloyd.

"We were made aware of the Big Wish for Chase Charity Appeal through Monmouth RFC Club members and we are delighted to be of assistance."

Helen added: "I am delighted with the support that we are getting from Lloyd and his team at Convey Law and Monmouth Rugby Club.

"The Convey Law Free Legal Fee competition and the funds that it generates will make a big dent in the £40,000 that we need for Chase's operation and physiotherapy.

"I would just like to say a big thank you to the whole Monmouth community, please keep your donations and support coming. Every penny is very much appreciated."

There are collection tins at the Beacon office, Goldwire Stores, King's Fee Spar and Monmouth Leisure Centre or you can text ipcn97 followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070.