AS a six-year-old boy from Malvern prepares to fly to America for an operation that could help him walk for the first time, his family are asking for a final fund-raising push to help them meet the £45,000 cost.

Ben Gannon is confined to a wheelchair because of quadriplegic cerebral palsy - meaning he has motor problems in all four limbs. He is due to undergo a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy at St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri on Monday, April 25.

Since its launch the Ben Gannon Appeal has raised more than £32,000 in just three-and-a-half months, and parents Rick and Lorraine have been overwhelmed by the response.

“It has been amazing, especially considering we only started just after Christmas,” said Mrs Gannon. “We are travelling to the USA at the end of this month and hope that whilst we are away enough funds will come in to cover all the costs. Ben turns seven when we are away and he has asked for a walking frame. How many children ask for that for their birthday?”

Ben’s surgery involves cutting the nerves from the muscles enough to weaken them, giving other muscles a chance to strengthen and work against his thigh muscles. Mr and Mrs Gannon hope it will enable him to walk for the first time, with the aid of a frame or crutches.

Recent events held to support the appeal include a sponsored walk of the Malvern Hills and a casino night at the Bank House, which was supported by Hollyoaks actress Nathalie Emmanuel, who is best friends with Ben’s cousin, and raised more than £1,800.

“We want to say thank you to all those from Malvern that have donated or supported our appeal,” said Mrs Gannon. “We would like to say a special thank you to The Prince Of Wales pub, Malvern Dental Practice and Paul Farrer.”

For more information or to support the Ben Gannon Appeal visit bengannonappeal.co.uk.