FUNDS for an operation that will allow a Cwmbran youngster to walk received a welcome boost following the Newport half marathon.

Ethan Jolosa, eight, who has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, needs a £40,000 operation and his family have been raising money since May last year.

A team of four raised funds by completing the half-marathon and raising more than £800, which can be added to the fund total, currently standing at £37,091.10.

The team was made up of Kelly Cox, Mark Weild, Gareth Childs and Kirsty Jones, friends of the family.

Ethan has his first appointment with the surgeon on March 11.

His mum, Leah, said: “Ethan’s a bit nervous but mostly excited as all he wants to do is play football.”

The money will fund pioneering surgery at Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital to relax the muscles in his legs, allowing him to walk normally, at the cost of £25,000 He will then face 18 months of physiotherapy, costing £15,000.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/Ethan-jolosa