EVERY little helps - that's the message from the family of nine-year-old James Dwight who are raising money for an operation that will change his life forever.


James suffers from a form of cerebral palsy, which causes tightening in the muscles of his legs, leaving him in pain and unable to walk without the aid of a walker.


Over the past few months the SNJ has encouraged readers to support James' family in their bid to raise £35,000 for an operation that will enable him to walk for the first time.


Donations of all sizes have flooded in bringing the total banked to £16,000.
One reader donated hundreds of 1p and 2p coins found down the back of a sofa, which when counted amounted to £15.


The SNJ would now like to encourage readers to dig deep and send in their loose change.


James lives in Arlingham with his father Jai, who left his job last year to be a full-time carer for his son.


"We are over the moon with how things are going and we are confident we will reach our goal later this year," said Jai.


"People are so amazing when it comes to charity and even though many people don't know James they have still chipped in and as the old saying goes every little bit really does help.


"We can't thank people enough for their generosity. It's truly heart warming."


Family and friends of James are planning a range of fundraising activities this year including sponsored walks, bag packing at supermarkets and auctions.


Once the money is raised, James will undergo specialist surgery, which is not available on the NHS, at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol to loosen his muscles.


After intensive physiotherapy and exercise James will be able to take his first independent steps.


*  To support the Help James Walk appeal, hand in loose change to the SNJ offices in Lansdown, Stroud. Please collect coins in £1 coin bags.


* Cheques made payable to Caudwell Children can also be sent to Stroud News & Journal, Lansdown, Stroud, GL5 1BE. Write James Dwight on the back of the cheque.


* Alternatively text JAMD47£(amount) to 70070 or donate online at www.justgiving.com/jamesdwightswishtowalk