The little girl's smile says it all

From the archive, first published Saturday 11th Mar 2006.

The generosity of our readers never ceases to amaze us.

Since we highlighted the plight of Gulshat Kadyrova, the girl from Turkmenistan born without hip sockets, money and messages have flowed in.

More than £9,000 has been raised in just seven weeks towards the cost of a life-changing operation at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford.

There is no doubt that the six-year-old's cheerful smile has captured the hearts of many -- just look at the happy faces in the picture we publish today.

We have been bowled over by the number of donations and letters that have arrived at our offices.

Having visited Gulshat in hospital yesterday, we know she is well on the road to recovery following her hip surgery and that she has been overwhelmed by the goodwill messages she has received.

However, while there is good reason to celebrate, Gulshat still needs our support -- at least another £20,000 must be raised for a second operation.

We have no doubt that our generous readers will continue to help.

One thing is certain, Gulshat and her mother Bahar will be eternally grateful to everyone who has given her hope of a better life.

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