Joshua Freeman is an adorable eight-year-old boy, a popular and very bright pupil at Walford School, however Joshua has Cerebral Palsy affecting all four limbs, his legs more than his arms. This limits his ability to move by himself and although Joshua is able to hand propel himself in his wheelchair, he is totally dependent on his parents, and carers at school, for his activities for daily living. He is unable to move into, and out of, positions without assistance and every movement increases the spasticity (muscle tightness).

On March 22nd, Joshua's family was given the amazing news that Joshua has been accepted for life changing surgery at St Louis Children's hospital in the USA.

The doctor who accepted Joshua's case said that he feels this procedure would allow Joshua to be able to walk with a frame and progress to walk with the crutches.

His parents told the Ross Gazette:?"This is the best possible news, everything we dreamt to hear. Now we just have the enormous and daunting task of raising the funds."

The SDR procedure, including flights, accommodation for four weeks, the procedure itself and post-operative physiotherapy costs around £40,000.

His parents have booked the operation for the summer as they are determined to raise the money to help their son. However they are very grateful to everyone who has come forward so far to offer support either with donations or by organising events.

Joshua's mum, Lyuda, said that her husband's relatives at local company MF Freeman have already started fundraising in their office and at the Mill Race, in Walford.

To help make Joshua's dream come true donations to his Fund can be paid into his account at Barclays Bank.

If you would like to offer to help raise the money needed for Josh contact the Ross Gazette and we will pass on all offers of help to Joshua's family.