THE £75,000 target needed for life- saving surgery for a former Churcher’s College student was hit on Christmas Eve – and now the total is £108,000.

The appeal for Laura Sylvester (23) was the idea of friends Jessica Kohn (23), of Durleigh Marsh, Eleanor Kehoe (23), of Petersfield, and Laura’s twin Rochelle.

Thanks to the generosity of friends and anonymous donors, today (Wednesday) Laura is undergoing surgery in America to fuse her skull to her spine. A metal neck brace will also be inserted.

This will protect her brain stem; but it won’t cure the rare degenerative muscular condition she was unexpectedly diagnosed with last year, and which can be fatal.

Laura said: “I can’t thank you all enough for your support and generosity, you have contributed to saving my life and I will be forever grateful.”

Jessica told the Post this week: “Laura and her mum will be in Washington DC for a month. This is an extremely stressful time and Laura is really focused on getting through it. More donations would be much appreciated and will go towards her life-long physio needs.”

Donations can be made on the website www.youcaring.com/laura-sylvester-483048