A CALDICOT toddler has become the first child in Wales to undergo pioneering surgery funded by the NHS.

Imogen Ashwell-Lewis, three, underwent a four-hour specialist procedure at Bristol Children’s Hospital on Monday and is ‘doing well’.

Imogen, who was born 11 weeks early, weighing 3lb 2oz, suffers from a debilitating nerve-muscle condition known as spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, which means she is unable to walk unaided and relies on her specially-made wheelchair.

Her mum Catherine Ashwell-Rice, 37, launched a campaign through the Tree of Hope charity in February last year, to raise the £40,000 needed for the operation that is hoped will help her walk independently. The appeal reached its target in October but the family learned just days before Christmas that the procedure, known as selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery would be funded by the NHS in Wales.

Ms Ashwell-Rice said the money raised will be used towards Imogen's long-term rehabilitation which could be around two years.

“Imogen’s operation went really well. She had a few problems waking up and then overnight was a bit poorly but is definitely on the mend,” said Ms Ashwell-Rice yesterday.

“She has to stay on her back and will be allowed to try sitting up on Thursday.”

Imogen will need to wear casts on her legs to stretch out her muscles as well as having intensive physiotherapy.

The procedure, which will also be funded for several other children in Wales, was developed by a surgeon at the St Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri. It involves removing bone from one vertebrae and making an incision in the spine to divide nerve roots that contribute to the spasticity, giving more balance and enabling the patient to walk.

Imogen will stay in hospital for two weeks and need to visit the hospital daily for therapy for a further two to three weeks after she is discharged.