A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD from Berry Hill has been offered a “life-changing” operation, but it comes with a colossal price-tag that wouldn’t have been attached if he’d been strong enough for the operation two years ago.

Sasha Evans is trying to raise a whopping £40,000 for an operation. Her son Harry has spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.

Sasha said: “Harry was born prematurely at 31 weeks, weighed 3lb 14oz and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one. It means he can’t take part in certain activities, cannot walk unaided and gets extremely tired.

“Harry was considered for a selective dhorsal rhizotomy on the NHS when he was five, but although we were told it was life-changing and could even allow him to walk on his own, he just wasn’t strong enough at the time to have it done.

“Now we’ve been told he can have the operation, but we have to find £40,000 to fund it. Harry’s condition means that his muscles are very stiff and this operation would give him a chance to move around more freely.

“Harry is a bright, loving boy and I’m raising funds to give him the operation. It will give Harry a better outlook for the future, take away his pain and help him to get around more easily.”

The operation targets the central nervous system and kills off nerves that cause muscle spasticity. It can alleviate symptoms – completely and is often performed in young children, before long-term deformities can arise and to allow time for their muscles to strengthen and function.

University Hospitals Bristol told the Review that NHS England make decisions with regards to the funding of this operation

An NHS England spokesperson said: “The NHS funds a number of treatments to help muscle stiffness in children with cerebral palsy. Selective dorsal rhizotomy is one treatment that we are exploring, as current evidence about its effectiveness is limited, but the treatment does not work for all children as they need to have a certain level of strength for the operation to be effective.”

Sasha said: “We’ve been told that Harry is suitable for this operation and we had a letter from the hospital yesterday (Tuesday, February 13) confirming that this was the case.”

So far, Sasha has raised £2,643 and she has a charity auction, three marathon fund­raisers and a children’s disco planned. Harry’s page on Facebook is called ‘Helping Harry get SDR.’

Berry Hill News in the village has also got involved in the campaign. Manager, Valerie Stacey, said: “As well as a collecting box for Harry, we’re inviting people to take part in our hearts in the window campaign until Saturday (February 17). For 50p people can buy a heart and write their message on it.

“We’ve raised £55 so far with messages to Harry and to people’s own loved ones. We’ve had no proposals of marriage yet though, which is a bit of a shame.”

Sasha told the Review: “Harry really deserves this operation, he is so bright, beautiful and happy. He is worth every penny.”

To donate, visit www.treeofhope.org.uk and search for Helping Harry or text HARC99 £5 to 70070. Anyone interested in helping in any other way can contact Sasha on 07426 929770.