LEO Dixon’s Newport family have just one wish - that one day with the help of pioneering surgery in America the two-year-old will take his very first steps.

But that dream is £60,000 away and while the family have worked tirelessly to raise just under £23,000, their whole lives are now based on reaching that final total.

And with a therapist recently advising them that Leo should undergo the operation within six months to gain the best benefits, the family are now making an emotional plea for help in realising their dream.

Leo’s mum, Kate Dixon said: "It would just completely change our lives. I just can’t wait to walk down the street with him holding his hand. I’ve never had that.

"The surgery and therapy won't just help with his walking. It will also help with things such as his speech. It will just be life-changing for him."

The Argus first reported on the campaign in October last year. Leo, who suffers from cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia, is unable to walk, crawl or sit comfortably.

In February he underwent a series of tests and was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia leading to the family launching the campaign so their son can undergo the operation to help him walk.

While fundraising, Mrs Dixon and her husband Mike have also visited Scotland on a couple of occasions, which costs £2,000 a time, to allow Leo to undergo intense therapy.

It was on a recent visit that Mr and Mrs Dixon were told by a therapist that, due to the tightness in Leo’s legs, it would be more beneficial to him if he underwent the operation within six months. The family were originally planning for the operation to happen in 12 months time.

This means they now have six months less than originally planned to raise the rest of the funds.

An open day was held by the family at the Birdcage in Newport where the family explained to visitors how they could help with fundraising while a number of future events are also planned.

Mrs Dixon said: "Not a day goes by when we don’t wake up or go to sleep thinking about it. It would just mean everything to us to reach the target."

To help with the appeal or to donate contact Mrs Dixon on 07794643613.

Fundraising events planned

EVENTS planned include a car wash at Maindee fire station on Saturday from 10am until 3pm. The price is £3 a car.

On April 27, an old school night ‘Bump’ will be held at Da Vinci’s in Newport. Tickets are £5.

On April 28 an open day will be held at the SW Dubber Club, Adeline Street, Shaftesbury, from 11am.

There will be a charity boxing match on May 18 at Pill Millennium Centre. Tickets are £15.

Mrs Dixon is also running in a 10k in Bristol on May 5. To sponsor her visit www.justgiving.com/helpleowalk1 On May 9, there will be a medium night with Linda Lewis at the Lysaght Institute from 7.30pm. Tickets are £10.

For more information on events contact Mrs Dixon.

You can also donate to the cause by texting LEOD99 followed by the amount you want to donate e.g LEOD99£5 to 70070.