A FAMILY who want to send their little boy to America for a life-changing operation hope a big push will turn their dream into reality.
Four-year-old Will Laing was diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged 18-months and has never been able to walk unaided.
The fun-loving youngster, who goes to Shotton Infants School, has to wear splints on his legs and use a walking frame.
Mum Michela Dalton and dad James Laing have been trying to raise £50,000 so Will can undergo potentially life-changing surgery in the USA.
So far the appeal has raised £14,000, meaning the family has been forced to delay plans to fly to America.
But Michela, 23, who lives in Shotton, said she was overwhelmed by people’s generosity and is confident they will reach their target soon.
“We had hoped Will could have his operation in March but we’ve had to postpone it and now we’re aiming for June,” she said.
“Everybody has been really generous and so many people have been helping out.
“We raised £4,000 in December alone which is brilliant. We’re more determined than ever and Will is really excited.”
Michela, James, Will and his baby sister Amber plan to travel to St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri, where doctors can perform a complex procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy.
Doctors have told the family Will could learn to walk independently after the operation.
Michela said: “The operation costs £35,000 and has to be paid for up front.
“If we had booked it and then cancelled it would mean another family would miss out which we didn’t want.
“Will is doing brilliantly but we know he could achieve so much more if the barriers weren’t there.”
Michela added: “It is a little bit disheartening but we had to start completely from scratch.
“We’ve already raised a lot of money in a short space of time and have got lots of events planned.
“If anybody has any ideas or wants to help us reach our target then I would love to hear from them.”
Will’s family launched a website to help them reach its target and a number of fundraising events are also being held in the coming months.
To donate visit www.willswish.com.