THE BATTLE is on to help eight year-old Joshua Freeman have a "life changing " operation at a children's hospital in America.

The Bishopswood youngster, a pupil at Walford Primary School, near Ross, has cerebral palsy affecting his arms and legs. Although he can propel himself in his wheelchair and enjoys riding a tricycle, he is totally dependent on his parents and carers at school for his activities for daily living.

But £40,000 could change all that.

Following tests, Joshua has been accepted for surgery at St Louis Children's Hospital and his family have been told if all goes to plan the operation would enable him to walk with a frame and then progress to walk with crutches.

The specialist procedure is a highly advanced form of surgery that involves cutting sensory nerve fibres from muscles entering the spinal cord. It has the capacity to eliminate 'bad' movement signals coming from the brain and reduce their impact.

Friends and family are now rallying to the cause with a series of fund-raisers in the pipeline including a massive 'Promise Auction' at Bishopswood House on June 23.

Up for offers will be over 80 items including signed celebrity photographs, a helicopter ride and a 106 year-old golf putter which was once owned by Harry Vardon. There will also be a pig roast and raffle and a full evening on entertainment.

As a prelude to the auction, everyone is being invited to a Coffee Morning to be held at Mill Race on Saturday June 16.

To shed a pound or two afterwards, fund raisers can take part in a sponsored walk from The Speech House to the Rising Sun at Moseley Green and then back again. Sponsor forms and more details of all the events are available from Avril Roffe on Dean 545981.