THE family of a four-year-old from Griffithstown who need to raise £50,000 to afford a life-changing operation have started working with the charity Just4Children to boost their fundraising hopes.

Rhys Jones was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy when he was 18 months old- which affects his co-ordination and means he cannot walk without help.

His parents Laura Watt and Steffan Jones have been raising money for his Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, an operation not currently funded by NHS Wales, which will help to relax the spasticity in the legs, enabling Rhys to walk.

The money raised will pay for the operation, and also for the intensive daily physiotherapy which Rhys will need for at least two years after the operation.

“We have raised more than £10,000 so far,” said Miss Watt. “Rhys has had his first assessment in Bristol and he’s got the go ahead for the operation.

“A lot of people have helped and wanted to help ds. £50,000 is a lot of money to raise.

“Last year, Steffan did the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

“One of Rhys’ teachers, Jodie Moses, from Ysgol Panteg is doing the Cardiff Half Marathon later this year to raise money for Rhys.

“We did an afternoon tea at Panteg House in October which raised £400. Steffan’s brother Geraint Jones also raised more than £500 from doing the Brecon Beacons Trail Marathon in November.

“We’d like to thank everyone that has help us so far.”

Just4Children provides support for families to help their children with disabilities and sickness.

Miss Watt said that working with the charity will help with the fundraising.

“Just4Children are a registered charity,” she said. “It will help when organising fundraising events to have a registered charity number, as you can’t do some fundraising events without one.

“There are a lot of people who have raised money with Just4Children.”

If you would like to make a donation, visit just4children.org/children-helped2019/rhys-rocks