A CAMPAIGN to raise funds for Joshua Freeman's life-changing surgery in the USA really captured the public spirit in Ross. And finally, on September 25th, eight-year-old Joshua had his SDR surgery at the St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri. "Everything went well," said his delighted and relieved mother, Lyuda. "It was the longest four hours of our lives."

The Gazette first reported Josh's story in April this year. A bright pupil at Walford School, his Cerebral Palsy affected all his limbs, limiting his ability to move by himself, making him dependent on his parents, and carers at school, for activities and daily living. It was hoped surgery would allow him to be able to walk with a frame and progress to walking with crutches. When he was accepted for surgery in March his family was thrilled. But Josh's parents, Lyuda and James, were then faced with the daunting task of raising the funds.

However when they heard about Josh the good people of Ross rose to the occasion and the total amount raised for 'Joshua's Wish To Walk appeal' was an astonishing £65,000 – "We can't give enough thanks for the kindness and generosity of everyone who donated and helped with fundraising. We are very grateful to each and everyone who was involved," said Lyuda.

SDR (Selective dorsal rhizotomy) is a surgical procedure aimed to ease muscle rigidity and improve mobility in patients with cerebral palsy. The operation involves cutting some of the nerves in the spine that are responsible for muscle rigidity. It is a very complicated procedure, but almost immediately the difference in Josh's legs could be seen, they were so relaxed and Josh was calling them, 'my new legs'.

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.

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