Hundreds of kind-hearted strangers offer to adopt three-year-old girl with cerebral palsy after plea to find her a family for Christmas

• e-mail

'Perfect': Three-year-old Grace has been in care since birth and is looking for a permanent home

Hundreds of prospective parents have come forward after hearing the heartbreaking story of a three-year-old orphan in search of a family.

Grace, who suffers from cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease, was taken into care at birth because her natural mother was unable to look after her due to a brain injury. 

She lives with foster parents Jill and Paul at their home in the Midlands but the couple, who are nearing retirement, are determined to help find the 'incredibly loving' girl a permanent home. 

Hoping to find her a family in time for Christmas, Jill and Paul, who have fostered more than 40 children over the last 19 years, took the unusual step of making a public appeal.

Grace's story has touched hearts across the nation and the agency tasked with finding her a home has been inundated with hundreds of calls and messages from people wanting to adopt.

Jill told the Daily Mirror the response had been 'overwhelming' but that she will be a 'gift' to any family. 

Born 12 weeks premature and weighing just 1.3lbs, doctors feared Grace would never be able to walk. But she has defied all expectations and now enjoys climbing and running around.

Despite her progress, Grace still suffers from muscle cerebral palsy, regularly contracts chest infections and has problems eating. 

Her medical needs mean that she needs to be monitored during the night, and would need a stay-at-home parent to look after her during the day.  

Jill said: 'I think there is a perception that Grace may be a demanding child because of her health problems.

'But she is so placid. There is nothing wrong with her mind. She is as bright as anything. She is a very intelligent child.'

She added: 'We would all love to have perfect children and Grace does face challenges in her future. But it in her own unique way, Grace is perfect.' 

A spokesman for First4Adoption, the national information service for adoption in England, said there is a team of advisers fielding calls from prospective adopters and forwarding their details to Social Services.

Blessing: Foster mother Jill, pictured, said Grace will be a 'gift' for any family who adopts her

He added the team, which includes volunteers, advisers and social workers, is focusing on people who are already approved to adopt in the hope Grace will soon be in a permanent home.

First4Adoption has also identified other children of a similar age who also have additional needs with a view to potentially match them with prospective parents.  

Spokesman Chris Burton said: 'It's wonderful that Grace's campaign has elicited this response but it is very important to remember that she is not alone. 

'She is emblematic of thousands of children still waiting for adoption.' 

If you are interested in adopting Grace, or finding out more about adoption from First4Adoption click here. Or phone First4Adoption on 0300 222 0022 between 10am and 6pm, Monday-Friday.