The parents of Annie Gomarsall want to express their thanks to kind-hearted people in Bicester.

Nearly £26,000 has been raised for Annie's Appeal, since its launch two years ago.

Later this month, Annie, eight leaves for America to follow-up her treatment with autism expert, Prof Stephen Wertz.

Annie GomarsallAnnie's mother, Joanne Gomarsall, said: "Two years ago, this trip would have been unthinkable - too traumatic for her and us. We are now confident she will be able to cope with the travel involved."

Annie will spend a week with Prof Wertz, receiving intensive treatment.

Mrs Gomarsall said: "During the trip, Stephen will reassess Annie's position and plan a future strategy for her. Her autism will not be cured, but with training for her family and friends who work with her, her life will not be so frightening.

The appeal to raise money for treatment was started by the Bicester Advertiser, a sister paper of the Oxford Mail.

Since starting treatment, Annie's progress has been remarkable. Two years ago she could barely communicate. Now, her parents say she has a large vocabulary.

Mrs Gomarsall said: "She has come on so well and she is a lot easier to live with. Two years ago she could say two words, which were 'car' and 'apple'. Now she has a big range of vocabulary. Her level of understanding is amazing.

"Without the support from the Bicester Advertiser and all of Annie's new friends I'm not sure where we would be now. Once again, thank you all."

The family plan to stay on in America for an extra week's holiday.

Annie's grandfather, Derek Gomarsall, recently had a small windfall and is treating the whole family to a holiday in Florida.