Mystery gift adds hope to Nastya's cause

But Margaret Bamford, chairman of Findon-based Leaves of Hope charity, who has brought the four-year-old to England, says much more is needed.

Nastya was found by Mrs Bamford OBE, of Fox Lea, Findon, in an abandoned baby unit in Belarus.

Having been born with a rare condition called Aperts Syndrome, causing severe breathing difficulties and a build up of fluid in the head, her parents were told she was going to die and to leave her at hospital.

When Leaves of Hope found her, aged three months and placed her with a foster family, Nastya appeared on television and was seen by her mum, Alyona.

Thanks to the charity, Alyona, 23, and husband Bitalic were reunited with Nastya, who also has an enlarged head, protruding eyes and webbed hands and feet.

However, with a condition not known to doctors in Belarus, Nastya needs specialist medical attention. For the past two weeks Nastya and her mum, Alyona, have been staying with Mrs Bamford and have been for numerous tests and scans at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Tomorrow (Friday) they will find out what can be done for Nastya and what her hopes are for the future.

But these tests and any future treatment is costly. Since the Herald reported the story last week, nearly 2,000 has been added to the 2,000 already raised. However, Mrs Bamford estimates another 6,000 is needed.

A two choirs concert is being held for the charity at St Michael's Church, Hayling Rise, High Salvington, on Friday, June 9, at 7.30pm. Tickets costing 5.50 are available from 01903 872188, or on the door.

To make a donation to Nastya's treatment, call Mrs Bamford on 01903 873737, or write to Leaves of Hope, 10 Fox Lea, Findon, West Sussex BN14 OXB.