Six-year-old Phoebe Ward, of Dersingham, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and needs a special walking frame to help her become independently mobile.

Phoebe also needs a specially-engineered car seat and an expert assessment of her disabilities so specific equipment can be prescribed to improve her life.

The total cost is expected to be more than £6,000. Hoping to raise that sum – and more – are The Brotherhood, a group of seemingly fearless sailors willing to undertake the hazardous Great Amazon River Race for Phoebe's sake.

To help good causes, the Brotherhood has already completed the gruelling 22-mile Great River Race along the Thames and set a world record for crossing the English Channel, both in a traditional Chinese Dragonboat.

Their next and most daunting challenge starts in Peru on Friday, September 19. For three days aboard a self-made balsa wood raft, they will compete against international and native crews in an extreme test of mental and physical endurance.

They decided to help Phoebe after hearing about her condition from one of their members, Danny Williams. Danny is a friend of Robert Camby, who is Staff Captain of the Queen Mary II. As the partner of Phoebe's aunt, Natalie Rushton, he is also "Uncle Robert" to Phoebe.

Phoebe's mum, Victoria, voiced her heartfelt appreciation for the Brotherhood's support. "They are hoping to raise £6,150, which is a marvellous amount. It will help Phoebe so much and we are very grateful for their kindness."

The special walking frame Phoebe needed was not available on the NHS. "It will give her a head start on her mobility," said Mrs Ward.

She also thanked Phoebe's aunts, Sophie Caley, of Dersingham, and Jen Yaxley, of Heacham, who recently raised £200 for their niece by taking part in a bungee jump in London.

Any Lynn News readers who would like to help Phoebe by sponsoring the Brotherhood are asked to go to www.justgiving.com/broth erhoodgreatamazonriverrace

Phoebe's grandmother, Mrs Louise Rushton, of Dersingham, said the family was eagerly watching the progress of online donations. "You can see the amount going up. We're really delighted," she said.