A BRAVE Ruthin girl who has undergone life changing surgery in American is already

Freya Bailey has successfully completed the first, long awaited surgery on her spine St Louis Children's Hospital, in Missouri to help her walk independently for the first time.

The Ysgol Borthyn pupil, aged eight, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at three years old and has travelled to America with mum Beth Woolford and aunty Grace Woolford after four years of fundraising to raise £65,000.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Ms Woolford said: “Naturally we were nervous before the surgery. She was so brave right up until it was time to go into the operating room - there were tears all round at that moment.

“But the medical team told me once they took her in, she was fine and they took amazing care of her. I have to admit though, it was the longest and most nerve wracking four hours of my life.”

The medical team taking on the operation – which involves severing nerves causing ‘spasticity’ in her spine - was selected following years of research by Ms Woolford, and was led by specialist doctor TS Park.

Since the operation on Tuesday, March 12, Freya has been getting some well-earned bed rest and has since started on intensive physical therapy to help her get used to the change to her body. However the family did manage to squeeze in some sightseeing at the St Louis Arch after landing on Sunday 10, before the hard work began.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Ms Woolford added: “She enjoyed the trip to the Arch very much. We’ve not had much of a chance to have trips out as yet, but she’s really enjoyed meeting everyone here.

"One being a family from Cyprus and their son was having the same procedure as Freya a couple of days after hers.

“We also met an American family who we had been in touch with prior to our trip so it was lovely to meet them. They brought a welcome to America package for Freya and we brought some British sweets and some Welsh souvenirs to give to their daughter.

“One of the biggest highlights for us both was meeting Dr Park for the first time – I honestly felt like I was meeting a celebrity.”

Denbighshire Free Press:

Freya will now undergo a second surgery in St Louis on Thursday to lengthen her heel cords, which alongside more physiotherapy will further help her on path to walking independently before returning home in April.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Ms Woolford said: “I’ve been advised the second procedure can be somewhat painful and again it means her adjusting to her body feeling different again following the surgery, but it only requires a one night stay in hospital and it isn’t anywhere near as invasive as the first.”

"The amount of well wishes and messages of support we’ve had has been quite overwhelming! To know everyone back home is rooting for her and that she’s in their thoughts is so heart warming."

To see videos of Freya’s progress, visit the Free Press website.