A MUM says that her autistic daughter's life could be transformed now they have raised enough money to help her.

Seven-year-old Chloe Grace's parents, Julie and Rob Rose, of Park South, have raised £20,000 to take their daughter to America to have specialised treatment which promises to help children communicate with the outside world.

The final £3,000 the family needed was collected last Saturday at a Christmas party.

"I am absolutely over the moon," said Mrs Rose, 26.

"I can't believe that after all the fundraising we've been doing that we've finally got the money.

"We are all so chuffed the party went so well.

"It was amazing because we had an auction and our friends were bidding for things they didn't even need or want just so that we could raise the money we needed."

Chloe is severely autistic, which means she has no social skills.

She cannot maintain eye contact with people, including her mum and dad, and can only say a handful of words.

But Chloe has been following the revolutionary Son-rise programme at home and her mum says she is already improving.

The programme began in America and is based on play and communication and promises to give autistic children their first words.

Parents are encouraged to engage with their autistic child and mirror their behaviour.

They are also urged to have a special focus' room for their child, which has toys and mirrors in it to encourage them to play and communicate.

"We have been following the programme as best we can at home and already Chloe has a few words she can say and we can definitely see her improving," said Mrs Rose.

"I just know now that once we go to America our lives and most of all Chloe's life will be transformed."

At the Massachusetts' centre staff will work on a one-to-one basis with Chloe to help improve her speech.

They will also work with her parents to show them how to tap into Chloe's world.

"It's quite daunting to think we are actually going now but we can't wait," added Mrs Rose.

"I've sent off the deposit and although we haven't got an actual date yet we do know we will be going in 2008.

"There's a massive waiting list but that's okay because at least we've got the cash to pay for it.'' Mrs Rose added: "I just want to say a massive thanks to all our family and friends and everyone who helped us raise the money.

"I especially want to thank Keith Mayo who organised the party on Saturday and who's done loads of fundraising for us."

The family organised a range of events including a 24-hour snooker match, boxing matches and party nights to raise the £20,000.