Kent and Sussex Courier published Brave High Brooms toddler has operation to help him take first…

George Randell with classmates at his nursery

A TODDLER from High Brooms was due to have life-changing surgery today in London which will help him to walk for the first time.

Three-year-old George Randell, who has cerebral palsy, was due to have the operation in March but it was rescheduled for January 23.

Georges mum Emily said the family have been thrown into a state of panic by the change of date, but George is excited about the trip to Great Ormond Street Hospital and will be given a goodbye party by his friends at Tunbridge Wells Busy Bees Nursery, which he attends with his two-and-a-half-year-old sister Molly, as it may be six weeks before he next sees them.

Panic has set in Im packing two suitcases as we are going to be away for three-and-a-half-weeks, said Mrs Randell.

Her husband Gary and their three daughters will be staying at home in Great Brooms Road but will visit the hospital regularly.

It will be life-changing for all of us. George is very excited he cant stop looking at all his things in the suitcase and he knows hes having an operation.

The family have raised 6,500 to pay for physiotherapy and aftercare which George will need after the operation, but with each session costing 80 the fundraising will be on-going and Mrs Randell expects the treatment he will need to help strengthen his muscles will go on for months.

When we find out how many nerves he has had cut in his back we will know how much physio he is likely to need, said Mrs Randell. A lot of all of this depends on how things go on Friday.

When the Courier first featured George in November a reader donated 500 and estate agents Connells raised more than 1,000 last year. Childrens charity Tree of Hope is also helping.

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Kent and Sussex Courier published Brave High Brooms toddler has operation to help him take first...