Save My Child: when the documentary series starts on Channel 4 tonight, and what to expect – inews

CultureTV The programme centres on two families' efforts to raise money for life-changing operations

Tuesday, 26th November 2019, 5:08 pm

Updated Tuesday, 26th November 2019, 5:10 pm

Save My Child follows two families as they try to raise money for live-changing surgery for their children (Photo: Channel 4)

A heart-warming documentary following the lives of children in need of privately-funded surgery is coming to Channel 4.

Save My Child sees families and loved ones do everything in their power to raise money for operations that will better the children's lives.

It follows a child with scoliosis and another with cerebral palsy, and both families' heroic efforts to build funds though cook-offs, cross-country runs and dance lessons.

It highlights the strength of those suffering with the conditions and the great lengths parents will go through to better their children's lives.

The show will air on Thursday 26 November at 8pm.

Save My Child follows the families of two children, 15-year-old Mia and six-year-old Pranav, who both need treatments that aren't immediately available on the NHS.

Mia has scoliosis of the spine which causes constant pain and deters her from moving freely. She wears a brace to slow the chances of her condition deteriorating.

Four in 1,000 children in the UK need treatment for scoliosis, and once the curve in their spine passes 50 degrees the NHS will offer surgery to straighten their back.

Mia needs the surgery, but she's on a year-long waiting list for the treatment on the NHS. Her mother, Jo, isn't willing to wait the 12 months as Mia's back worsens and sets out to raise the 32,000 needed to pay for the surgery privately, which will see the curve in her daughter's spine corrected and allow her to walk freely without pain.

The cutting edge surgery Mia needs is in Turkey with a world-renowned surgeon who helped advance spinal care and pioneered new approaches to spinal surgery.

But the family are in a race against time, as once Mia's back surpasses 70 degrees, she will no longer be eligible for the operation.

Pranav is hoping for an operation that will allow him to walk (Photo: Channel 4)

Meanwhile Pranav, who has cerebral palsy, is unable to walk.

There's currently no cure for the condition but the NHS offers treatments to help people to be as active and independent as possible - including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

His only chance of walking unaided is by having a pioneering operation that the NHS does not offer for free to children as seriously disabled as Pranav.

Mother Usha is determined to raise 100,000 to fund the procedure and aftercare, however she soon realises that fundraising is far from easy.

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Save My Child: when the documentary series starts on Channel 4 tonight, and what to expect - inews