BRAVE schoolgirl Eve McGuire will this weekend jet off to New York for the first phase of her life-changing operation.

The nine-year-old has Treacher Collins Syndrome and is due to have an operation to move the tracheostomy in her neck.

Fundraising efforts began just over a year ago and during the coverage which has followed, Eve has become a bit of a star.

Eve and her mum Belinda will be heading off to New York on Sunday, for their first appointment with Treacher Collins specialist Joe McArthy.

The whole family, from Westfield Oval, Yeadon, has been overwhelmed by the generosity of fundraisers who have helped amass the £100,000 needed for the operation and after care.

A trust was set up to raise money for the surgery and care, which will last for an estimated three months.

Mum Belinda described her as a feisty character who is as bad as any other nine-year-old.

"She's got a real attitude now and she's turned into a real star, she doesn't mind the cameras any more and you could certainly not describe her as shy."

Horsforth resident Neil Hunt is a trust organiser and fundraiser.

He said: "Eve is really excited, like you would expect, but it is bound to be a nerve-wracking time for both her and Belinda.

"We were never sure how successful the fundraising would be but we have all been amazed by the generosity of people.

"This is just the first stage, but we have got here much quicker than Belinda and Michael could have imagined."

Eve, who attends West End Primary School in Horsforth, was born with the condition that means not enough bone was formed in her face.

She has always had to breathe through the tube in her neck, but with that gone there will be no risk of infection and she can lead a much more independent life.

Belinda and Michael had to remortgage their house for the original consultation and Belinda will have to take three months off work to cover the time of the operation and recovery.

Eve will need to be monitored closely after the operation, but this consultation with Dr McArthy is the first step.

l Eve McGuire was the VIP guest at the Froebelian School in Horsforth this week.

The nine-year-old was on hand to accept a cheque for £7,800 which has been raised to help her towards a life changing operation.

The school adopted the Eve McGuire Trust as its official charity in September.

Froebelian School spokeswoman Janis Wright said: "We always adopt a charity and we do well raising money but I think that everyone really took to Eve and did all they could."

Eve recently opened the new extension at the school.