FUNDRAISERS are hopeful they will hit their January deadline to raise £120,000 to fund vital research into a rare disease that threatens to turn a former Oldswinford woman into a human statue.

Campaigners have been racing to raise the money to enable scientists to continue their quest to offer new hope to sufferers of FOP (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva) like former Old Swinford Hospital School student Lucy Pratt.

The 25-year-old Oxford University graduate is one of just 45 people in the country suffering from the incurable condition which causes healthy muscles, tendons and ligaments to turn to bone - creating a second skeleton inside the victim.

There is currently no cure for the debilitating condition which has already restricted the arm, back and jaw movements of Lucy who works part-time in London for a bio-medical science publishing company.

But researchers believe they are close to finding a way of slowing down the debilitating disease and clinical trials could be just a few years away.

Funding for their research programme, however, runs out in January - so families affected by the condition have been pulling out all the stops to raise the £120,000 needed to enable scientists to continue their work at Oxford University for another year.

This week the campaign total was nearing £100,000 and Lucy's mum Sheryll, chairman of FOP Action UK, said she was hopeful the target could be met in time as money from recent fundraisers was still being collected and further funds have been promised.

She said: "I just can't believe how kind and generous everyone has been. Some people have had Christmas spirit and kindness throughout the year, especially friends and family.”

Businesses and individuals across the town have rallied round to raise funds after hearing about Lucy's battle against the condition which often ultimately leaves victims having to choose whether to spend their days in a sitting or standing position.

Firefighters from Stourbridge Fire Station underwent head shaves and back waxes which are expected to bring in up to £1,500; and daring staff members Dan Abbiss and Michelle Horin from Barclays Bank took part in a charity skydive to raise around £3,000.

A charity beauty night held at The Lyttelton at Hagley on December 3 have also given a lift to the campaign which was given a profile boost in Channel 4 documentary The Human Mannequin, screened on November 1.

Other fundraisers have included a disco and auction at Brierley Hill’s David Lloyd Centre, a curry night at the Red Forte restaurant in Wollaston and fundraisers further afield in Manchester have taken inspiration from the Calendar Girls.

Stourbridge MP Margot James also became patron of FOP Action UK this year and campaigners have started an e-petition urging the Government to fund research into the condition.

To find out more about FOP and the campaign visit website www.fopaction.co.uk or anyone wishing to hold a fundraiser or make a donation can call Sheryll on 07954 576018.