A CWMBRAN family have helped to raise more than £42,000 to fund a life enhancing operation in America for their son, which is due to be carried out next week.
Taliesin Campbell, three, has cerebral palsy and uses a walking frame and wheelchair to help him move around and attends regular physiotherapy sessions.
But a rare operation named Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy at St Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri, will help improve his mobility and could lead to him being able to walk independently in the long term.
The American operation, which is due to take place on June 14, is unique in that it is performed earlier than similar operations in this country and elsewhere but offers better improvements.
It will see surgeons cut some of the sensory nerve fibers that come from the muscles and enter the spinal cord.
The nerves sending abnormal messages will be cut leaving normal nerves intact.
But in order for the youngster to undergo the operation, Tal’s parents Jonathon and Claire Campbell, both 31, were faced with a basic sum of £40,000 to cover the operation costs.
Mr Campbell is originally from Cwmbran, where his parents Marilyn and Richard still live. Jonathon and Claire nowlive in Cardiff.
Jonathon said: “We just thought we should go for it and try and raise the money and the response has been incredible.”
Since Christmas time, events ranging from parachute jumps and marathons to book nights and cake sales have all helped towards the funds. Fundraising events have even been held in France where Marilyn and Richard have a home.
Mr Campbell added: “Tal has been amazing throughout it all. When you sometimes see him trying to play with other kids it can be quite hard but he understands that this operation is going to make his feet better.”
For more information on the fundraising visit www.talsgoodfeet
source: southwalesargus.co.uk
Cerebral Palsy
