A MUM has thanked organisations across Torfaen for raising thousands of pounds as part of a campaign to fund a vital operation for her son.

Earlier this year, Jess Hope, of Garndiffaith, launched the Lincoln’s Leg’s appeal to help raise £100,000 for her four-year-old son, Lincoln, who has cerebral palsy. Lincoln’s proposed operation, spinal dorsal rhizotomy, aims to remove spasticity and would be followed by years of physiotherapy to improve muscle strength. Without it, he would be likely to spend his life in a wheelchair.

So far, the appeal has raised around £3,600 with several businesses and organisations from Torfaen getting involved and showing their support to the Hope family.

This includes Pontypool music venue, The Dragonffli, which has announced a charity music night entitled ‘Walk’ in aid of the Lincoln’s Legs appeal.

The event, taking place on Friday June 16, between 6pm and 1.30am, features performances from Digital Criminals, One Track Mind, Windshake, Apathy Avenue and Noah Music.

Venue owner, Nick Byrne, who was recently elected as chairman of Pontypool Community Council, regularly holds charity fundraisers at the venue.

On Friday, June 2, the Rockers Vs Mods Scooter Show, held by Celtic Wolves Motorbike Club, raised around £600 for the appeal so far while Welsh Secondary School Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw donated a further £400.

Mum-of-two, Jess Hope is also currently fundraising for a gruelling trek across the Brecon Beacons in September for her son.

The charity challenge will involve a 95-mile, eight-day trek, equivalent to climbing Kilimanjaro.

She said: “We would like to say how very grateful we are for all the donations so far and cannot thank the people who have held events on our behalf enough.

“We have had the motorbike club approach us out of the blue to say about their fundraiser and also they are planning a family fun day too.”

The appeal has received the backing of Frankie Boyle, who will perform at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, on September 9, alongside comedian Francesca Martinez. All ticket sales from the gig will be donated to the Lincoln’s Legs appeal.

The mum is also holding several charity events over the next few months from a ladies pamper evening on Wednesday, June 21, at Pontypool United to a mini music festival at the Rising Sun Inn at Abersychan on Saturday, July 1.

The music event will see six bands take to the stage including Ruby and Valentines, Soapbox Method, a Tom Jones tribute act and more.

To donate to Lincoln’s Legs, visit: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/lincolnslegs