American researchers have set a date for little Holly Clarke to be screened for a pioneering treatment in New York next month.

The poorly five-year-old is battling Batten's Disease, which leads to the progressive deterioration of the brain and nervous system causing seizures, blindness, loss of muscle co-ordination, mental problems and dementia.

She is losing her eyesight, cannot walk, and her speech is restricted to just a handful of words. A cure has yet to be found for the killer disease but Holly's parents, Darren and Shirelle, are pinning their hopes on a radical gene therapy being tested in New York.

The family, of Derwent Road, Bolton, were celebrating today after a call from Cornell University's Weill Medical College, to invite Holly for a two-day assessment on February 24.

Shirelle, 35, said: "It did not sink in for a while but I am excited now as I know there is a good chance of Holly getting the treatment. Things are moving now. From now on, things are looking up.

"This could save Holly's life. I was getting to the point where I was thinking, 'if we do not get this, what next?' But there's a future now." Darren, 34, added: "We're walking on air." Holly and her parents will be flown to New York on an all expenses paid Virgin Atlantic flight after Sir Richard Branson heard of Holly's plight and offered to pay for their flights.

Cabin crew were so touched by Holly's courage when she flew with her family and ten-year-old brother Daniel to Florida on a trip organised by the Make A Wish foundation, they mentioned her to the business tycoon. Sir Richard said: "We are delighted to be able to help Holly and her fund raising team travel to New York for her pioneering treatment. We wish Holly the best of luck."

Cabin crew member Clare Thoma said: "Holly is a lovely little girl and you could not help but be touched by her personality. The whole crew wanted to try and help Holly so we sent a note to Sir Richard and his response came back 'let's try and help'. Holly will spend two days in New York undergoing scans and tests to ensure she is not suffering from any other illnesses. If she is given the green light she will return to the United States to be among the first children to be treated.

More than £20,000 has already been raised for Holly which will pay for her tests in New York.