The family of a six-year-old boy from Midsomer Norton have launched a fundraising campaign to raise £65,000, which will enable little Henry to have life-changing surgery and physiotherapy.

At just twelve months old, Henry was diagnosed with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, which affects his lower limbs and means he is unable to stand or walk unaided. With the help of weekly therapy, a determined Henry has learnt to sit, crawl and walk with a walker and is known for his cheery smile.

Recently, Henry’s family were told after an appointment at The Portland Hospital London that their son is suitable for a type of surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), which treats muscle spasticity caused by abnormal communication among the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. It is best carried out when children are 4 – 7 years-old and affects around 25% of children born with cerebral palsy.

The fact that Henry can have surgery in London has come as a huge relief; as whilst the cost of the operation is still high, (£31,500), it means that the family will not need to fly and stay abroad which will come at a much higher cost.

They are, however, aiming to raise £65,000, as Henry and his family will need to stay in London for three weeks for surgery and physiotherapy aftercare, with three physiotherapy appointments a week for six months.

This will continue then for the next two to three years to enable Henry to get the best benefit from the surgery.

The community has responded already to the appeal, with people climbing mountains, taking part in sky dives, hosting cake sales,

skittles nights and much more to raise vital funds.

The Paulton and District Skittles League have donated £1,500 to Henry, with his school at Kilmersdon taking part in a bag-packing day at the local Tesco store raising £645. The local bowls clubs have also contributed.

An afternoon tea held at Paulton Rovers recently also helped to raise £325, and the Tesco store will have an ongoing charity bookcase for Henry.

If you think that you might be able to hold a fundraising event or do something which will help to raise funds for Henry’s surgery, visit the Facebook page by searching ‘Helping Henry’.

Readers can also donate at: https://justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/helpinghenry which has so far raised £12,897.