A MONMOUTH mum has reached her £40,000 target in eight months to fund a pioneering operation that she hopes will change her daughter’s life.

The operation will be carried out next month.

Helen Morgan, 30, began fundraising last August after being told that Chase Vaughan, six, needs a procedure not funded by the NHS to save her from relying on a wheelchair in the future.

Chase, of Cornwallis Way, was born 15 weeks early – weighing just 1lb 8oz – suffers from a debilitating nerve-muscle condition known as spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, which means she walks on her toes, has stiffness in her legs and poor balance and co-ordination.

Chase, a pupil at Osbaston Church in Wales Primary School, wears splints and has regular physiotherapy.

Miss Morgan, a selfemployed accountant, fears her daughter’s mobility could deteriorate if she does not undergo a procedure, known as selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), to help avoid further muscle deterioration and stiffness.

The radical procedure, which will be performed at Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital on June 17, uses a technique developed in St Louis, USA, and involves making an incision in the spine to divide nerve roots that contribute to the spasticity.

The operation costs around £22,000 and the remainder is needed to pay for physiotherapy and aftercare.

Miss Morgan, who set up a fundraising page on Facebook called ‘A Big Wish For Chase’, said the response from local people, organisations and businesses was overwhelming. Local people have donated funds and organised fundraising events. She said: “It’s absolutely amazing that we have hit our target in eight months.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for all their support.

“We’re overwhelmed by the kindness shown to us.

Now I can dedicate my time to Chase ahead of her surgery.”

Fundraising events have included a Boxing Day charity football match, quiz nights, sponsored walks, and a 24-hour ladder climb by Monmouth firefighters.