A 16-year-old with cerebral palsy is to hit the gym in preparation for an operation that could allow him to walk again after the fundraising campaign for it reached £10,000 in just a week.
Kieran Evans and mum Melissa Evans of Pinchbeck, are now hoping an operation to cut the nerves in his spinal cord which are affected by the condition will take place early in the new year once, they reach their £13,000 target.
As reported in last week’s issue of The Voice, Kieran had spent years learning to walk initially but was recently given the devastating news he would lose his mobility from the waist down within the next few years.
The fundraising effort has got off to a fantastic start with a host of different groups and individuals offering financial help to the family.
Mum-of-four Melissa says she has been overwhelmed with the donations so far, including a fantastic £6,500 boost from the Spalding Round Table, as well as the pledges to put on events and support Kieran.
Melissa, who works at the Johnson Hospital, said: “It’s been fantastic so far.
“It’s brilliant to have raised so much when the campaign hasn’t been going very long and I’ve had so many kind offers from people.
“We’ve had offers of support from everywhere and its quite overwhelming.
“It’s very kind and we can’t thank them enough.
“Kieran’s now going back to Heroes Gym in Pinchbeck where he went before to help build his muscles back up a bit in preparation for the operation.
“We’re now hoping to do the operation in the new year if we can get all the money raised, thanks to all the donations.
“I’m blown away by it all to be honest.”
The Spalding Round Table donation of £6,500 comes largely from the proceeds of the group’s annual boxing show which celebrates its 25th anniversary in February.
Matt Clark of the Round Table said: “It’s just a really good and local cause and in line with our aims.
“It will make a huge difference to a young man’s life.”
Kieran was able to thank the Round Table himself as they went to his home to meet him and Melissa.
He told The Voice: “I’m looking forward to the operation as it would help get my legs back to normal.
“Hopefully I will be able to walk properly again and with no pain.”
To donate to the campaign visit https://www.gofundme.com/kieran039s-new-legs
