Cumbrian boy's family has seven months to raise 60,000 for operation

By Mark White

Last updated at 14:31, Thursday, 06 November 2014

A wish to walk for a Whitehaven boy could be answered by a life-changing 60,000 operation.

James, front left, with, from left, Lauren Burns, twin brother Thomas and back, Melanie Millar, Liam Millar, Alya Millar, nan Denise Burns, Pat Burns and dad James Burns

James Burns, 14, has cerebral palsy and he and his family have just seven months to raise the money. He has been accepted for an operation in America which, if successful, would see him walking within weeks.

James was born at 27 weeks and complications meant he, and his twin brother, Thomas, almost died. When James was one, his parents noticed he wasnt progressing like Thomas, and he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

I am sad because my legs dont work, said James. I want to go out and play football and rugby with my friends. I crawl to get around at home, but sometimes my dad or grandad have to carry me. I wish they didnt.

James attends The Whitehaven Academy and when he was 12, he and his family heard about a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) operation which has previously helped children with cerebral palsy walk.

His family contacted the charity Tree of Hope, which put them in touch with a hospital in St Louis, and he was subsequently accepted for treatment.

He said: Im in my wheelchair much more now. At school the other children have to wait for me to get to class and I feel embarrassed.

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Cumbrian boy's family has seven months to raise 60,000 for operation