Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page and we would like to thank you in advance for your generosity and taking the time to read Christian's Story

This is Christian’s Story.  7 ½ years ago, 9 weeks early a very special little boy came into this world fighting, Christian was a twin and we were devastated to discover that his twin brother Joshua had died whilst attending a routine scan and as a result Christian had to be delivered by emergency cesarean, and boy did he fight, after just 4 weeks he was able to leave hospital and we all believed that all his hard battles would be over.  Unfortunately at 18 months old Christian was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and his battles began all over again.

Christian is unable to walk unaided, and faces many challenges in his life, he never complains and is an inspiration to all those around him, his determination has allowed him at thrive in main stream School and only rarely will you see him without a smile and his great sense of humour.

He has fought many battles on his own so far in his life and has done so with sheer determination and support of his family and friends, he has now been given the opportunity to have an operation Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR Details at the end of this story) which could allow him to walk unaided and reach his full potential in life.

The operation and intensive physiotherapy was pioneered in the United States, and is now available in the UK but has limited funding on the NHS, and we have been told by his specialist Consultant at Great Ormond Street that whilst he is an excellent candidate for this operation and it will benefit him greatly, he will not receive funding due to the limited funds in the NHS.

Whilst it is easy to question and a great disappointment why this funding is not available, we want Christian to have this life changing opportunity and wish to find any way possible to fund this for him and to help our inspirational little boy have the very best chance of having a normal independent adult life.

We would ask you to help us to raise as much money as possible by either making personal donations or to undertake some activity and be sponsored.

If Companies, Schools or Colleges or their staff wish to make donations we will try to get as much publicity as possible in appreciation and will of course keep everyone informed

We have set up a Facebook page called Christian Rogers a smile of inspiration.

Christian is a very determined little boy and will be inspired by the support and generosity that people already shown

Please keep the messages on Facebook up to date with details of your sponsorship and messages of encouragement and support for this special and inspirational little boy

Details of the Operation

What is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)?

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) was first developed in the USA, It's a neurosurgical procedure aimed at reducing spasticity (tight and stiff muscle tone) in the lower limbs. It's most commonly used for children with spastic diplegia (two limbs affected) which accounts for 25 to 30% of children born with cerebral palsy.

Aims of SDR surgery

The surgery aims to:

achieve a long-term reduction in spasticity

improve function and mobility

increase independence

increase range of motion and improve positioning

In the UK, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance demonstrating that SDR is most effective for children between 4 and 10 years of age.

should we exceed the target amount (or if we do not raise enough funds, or if they cannot be used for any other reason) the funds raised go to the general funds of Tree of Hope to assist other sick children.

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