We'll raise £40k any way we can to get Jay on his feet

WHEN four-year-old Jay Johnson asked his parents for a scooter, they cringed knowing that it would not be possible.

But the reason wasn't a shortage of money, or because they couldn't find one in the shops.

Their son has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound, making his own dreams of riding a scooter or bicycle impossible, though he is too young to realise.

As a result, the Dalkeith family is now trying to raise 40,000 to pay for an intricate spinal operation in the US which will allow him the use of his legs, and mean he can walk through the gates of his primary school when he starts there after summer.

The treatment is not widely available on the NHS, with the only option being a trip down to Wales for a new procedure which has a waiting list of more than a year.

His mother Sandra, 25, said the surgery would revolutionise his life and help him walk independently before his body weight becomes too great for his weak legs.

She said: "It's really hard for him using a wheelchair, especially when all his friends going into school will be walking, he wonders why he can't be like them.

"What makes things even more difficult is the fact his younger brother Rory, who's two, is running around.

"He wants a scooter or a bike and that side of things is really hard."

Jay was born nearly two months prematurely and health visitors noticed development problems as he reached six months.

While he is able to stand on his tip toes, his muscles are too tight to sustain walking. He receives botox injections twice a year in his legs, but his mother and father Paul, 27, a chef, want more opportunities for him.

"He can't become dependent on a wheelchair," Mrs Johnson added.

"The more he grows the more difficult it will be for his legs to support him, so time's against us.

"We saw the treatment featured on television and we've got the backing of his consultant at the Sick Kids.

"We've got 5000 already and only been going a few weeks. Now we need to reach the 40,000 mark before October.

"The hospital in America has done this more than 2000 times and seems to have a perfect record. We've been keeping in touch through Facebook with parents of other children and only heard good things about it.

"We've booked the slot, we just need to get the cash in any way we can."

A fundraising race night will take place in the Dalkeith Masonic Hall on April 15 to help build up funds.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can deposit money in a specially created bank account at the Royal Bank of Scotland with the sort code 83-17-26 and account number 00686773.

A Facebook page has also been created which can be accessed by searching HelpJayJohnsonToWalk.