A four-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who loves being active is taking part in a superhero challenge.

Bella Smythe, from Ipswich, was born at 30 weeks, weighing just 2lbs 4oz, and was diagnosed with bilateral dyskinetic cerebral palsy at the age of two.

This affects her from the waist down, meaning she is currently unable to stand or walk unaided.

Now the four-year-old is taking part in the At Home Winter Wonderwheels powered by Marvel challenge.

Bella will cover as much distance as possible over the next two weeks using her walker, trike, self-powered wheelchair and Wizzybug powered wheelchair.

Bella lives at home with her mum Lizzy, 41, dad Ben, 43, and half-sister Abbie, 15, who are all supporting her.

Mrs Smythe, who is a quality assurance engineer, said: "Although Bella is supported by NHS physio, unfortunately, they are not able to provide weekly or regular intensive therapy, and we have found that Bella really benefits from these.

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"A hour’s therapy costs £80, we are hoping to send Bella for a week’s intensive therapy with SwimLab which will cost £1,500, and the custom made ankle orthotics will cost £1,750.

"Being as mobile as possible is beneficial for Bella’s health and obviously we want her to be able to be as independent as possible in the future.

"We’re encouraging her to take on the Winter Wonderwheels challenge to motivate her to move as much as possible – she loves being active but it’s also hard work for her – as well to raise funds for equipment."

Bella’s family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families fundraise for children with healthcare needs which cannot be provided by the NHS.

Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: "We wish Bella all the best with the Winter Wonderwheels challenge.

"Tree of Hope are here to support however we can."

To find out more about Bella or to sponsor her challenge, visit treeofhope.org.uk.