LITTLE Will Laing and his family are looking to raise £50,000 so the fun-loving youngster can have a life-changing operation.
Four-year-old Will, who goes to Shotton Infants School, was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy when he was about 18 months old meaning he is unable to walk unaided. He wear splints on his legs and uses a walking frame.
His parents Michaela Dalton and James Laing are hoping to raise £50,000 by next February so he can undergo potentially life-changing surgery in the USA.
Michaela, 22, of Castle Hill Street, Shotton, said: “Will is the funniest little boy in the world and we don’t want to take away his cerebral palsy because that makes him who he is.
“But Will’s condition is likely to get worse as he gets older and he will find it harder to get around. If nothing else we want to keep the mobility he has now.”
Michaela, James, Will and his baby sister Amber hope to travel to St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri where doctors can perform a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).
“The doctors in America have looked at Will’s MRI scans and they have told us he is suitable for the surgery,” said Michaela.
“SDR is a very complex operation but the doctor said his condition wouldn’t get any worse and it was possible he could learn to walk independently. That would be amazing and change our lives forever.”
If the fundraising target is reached the family will spend five weeks in Missouri. Michaela said they would also need to pay for intensive physiotherapy for Will after the operation.
“We have spoken to other parents of children who have been through the procedure and the results have been amazing,” she said.
“Everybody who knows Will loves him. His favourite thing in the world are bin lorries. Every time one comes down our street we have to take him outside. He absolutely loves them.
“He is such a special little boy and is always smiling.”
Will’s family has launched a website to help them reach its target and a number of fundraising events are also being held in the coming months.
Family friends Ally McHugh and Greg Chapman are holding a football tournament next month.
Greg, 25, from Pontblydyn, decided to organise the tournament because his goddaughter Charlie is friends with Will.
He said: “He is just such a nice little boy, he always has a smile on his face so I wanted to do what I could to help.
“We have six teams taking part and we are looking for sponsors for the tournament.
Details can be found on Will’s website.”
The event is at Phoenix Park, Leeswood, on Sunday, October 23 and they are hoping to raise £1,000 for the cause. A fun day will be held at the Bridge Inn afterwards.
To donate visit www.willswish.com