We are raising the funds for six-year-old, James, who has been recommended for a specialist spinal operation by consultants at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital but the treatment is not available on the NHS and will cost  £18,500. 

UPDATE: Following a physio assessment it has also been recommended that we complement his NHS physio with private sessions to ensure the best possible outcome following the operation. Therefore we have increased our fundraising target to include 2 years of private physiotherapy. We can't thank everyone enough for the support they have shown James and hope that you will continue to support him on this long road to recovery. Thank you.

James is unable to walk independently or do things that other children his age take for granted. He is a very happy and determined little boy who in spite of the restrictions of his disability tries to join in games like football with his friends. He does this by lying on the floor and dragging himself along using his arms. Because of the effort involved he can only do this for a few minutes before becoming exhausted. His dream would to be able to stand and kick a football like his friends can.

The operation is called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) and involves cutting nerves in the spinal column which will release the stiffness in James’ legs. This improvement will help him sit, stand and allow him to build up the strength in his legs to potentially walk independently for the first time in his life. 

Helping the family raise the money are local charity, Caudwell Children.

Chief Executive, Trudi Beswick, said: “Since 2010 we have supported over 60 families to get the SDR treatment and have seen dramatic improvements in the children that have had it. Unfortunately, while currently under review by the NHS, it is not yet statutorily available so for the time being families have to find the money themselves. This is truly a life-changing operation and I urge anyone that can help James and his family to raise the money needed to get in touch.” 

James brings a smile to the face of everyone that meets him. He loves watching sport, especially Stoke City and F1, and playing with our Grandchildren. He brings us so much joy already that to ease some of the constant pain he suffers will make us all very happy.”

Anyone interested in helping James’s appeal is asked to contact Caudwell Children on 01782 600114 or to donate online visit www.justgiving.com/operationjames

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.