Lyuda and James Freeman are thrilled that generous Ross Gazette readers have already donated more than £5,000 to the appeal for their son Josh.

Joshua has been offered the chance to have surgery in America to help him walk. Josh was born nine weeks prematurely and spent the first month of his life in intensive care. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 14 months and did not start to sit up until he was just over two years old. He is affected in all four limbs, his legs more than his arms which limits his ability to move by himself and every movement increases the muscle tightness.

The cost of the life changing surgery will be around £40,000 and although his parents are determined to find the money somehow they need all the help they can get.

Josh works very hard at Walford Primary School and also attends a private physiotherapy centre called 'Footsteps' in Oxfordshire four times a year. Each session is for three weeks for three hours per day intensive physio.

His mum said:?"It's hard work for an eight year old, but Josh knows it will make him stronger and he keeps going. It costs almost £10,000 every year but like Josh, we know it will make him stronger and so we keep going."

Fundraising events have been planned for the next few months including a coffee morning and raffle at the Mill Race in Walford on May 5th, a jumble sale on May 26th at Ruardean Village Hall and a 16 mile Tractor Run from Llanwarne Court on May 26th.

The Tree of Hope Children's charity has offered Josh his own Justgiving page,which makes donations so easy and fast on line and via text. Josh's page can be found at justgiving.com/JoshuasWishtoWalk or text JOSH49 5 to 70070 to donate £5 text JOSH49 10 to 70070 to donate £10