READERS of the SNJ are being asked to help make a little boy's dream of walking unaided come true.

Nine-year-old James Dwight 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.

The SNJ is supporting his family in their bid to raise £35,000 for life-changing surgery, which is not available on the NHS.

James lives in Church Road, Arlingham, with his father Jai, who left his job at a print media company last year to be a full time carer for his son.

He said: "James is just like his peers in so many ways, with all the usual interests.

"He dreams of being an actor, loves computer games and enjoys school and playing with his friends. "The only way in which he is different is that he is unable to walk independently and as a parent I would do anything to change this for him.

"I was over the moon to know that there was a procedure available that could change James' life in such a major way".

Once the money is raised, James will undergo specialist surgery to loosen his muscles and after intensive physiotherapy and exercise he will be able to take his first independent steps

The family has worked with national charity Caudwell Children to create a fundraising campaign - James Dwight's Wish to Walk Appeal.

Trudi Beswick, chief executive of Caudwell Children, said: "Over the last two years we have helped more than 20 families get this truly life-changing treatment for their children.

"We really believe in the difference this treatment can make to a child's life and want to help in any way we can to get James and other children and young people with cerebral palsy the treatment they need to give them the independence they deserve."

* To support James Dwight's Wish to Walk Appeal you can:

Text JAMD47£(insert amount)

Contact Caudwell Children on 01782 600867

Donate online at www.justgiving.com/jamesdwightswishtowalk

* Alternatively cheques made payable to Caudwell Children can be sent to The Stroud News & Journal, 6 Lansdown, Stroud, GL5 1BE or dropped into reception. Make sure you write James Dwight on the back of the cheque.

* For more information about donating or if you would like to organise a fundraising event for James, contact Hayley Mortimer on 01453 769423 or email hayley.mortimer@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk