A LITTLE girl from Crosskeys whose parents want to raise enough money for an operation to help her walk has had her first taste of independence with a new wheelchair.

This allows Olivia Robinson, four, to get around without parents Dan and Beth helping her, but they are reluctant to let her use her new gadget too often as they want to encourage her to walk.

Olivia, who has diplegic cerebral palsy, can use her arms mostly without difficulty but struggles to move her legs.

Mrs Robinson, 30, said: “It will be great because she’ll have more freedom and won’t rely on us as much.”

But her parents hope Olivia will be able to walk unaided after pioneering surgery in the US, and they are £13,000 towards their target of £60,000.

Several children in Gwent have had the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) operation, which decreases muscle spasticity.

Olivia’s family have been fundraising tirelessly with a karaoke night at the Commercial Inn in Risca at 8.30pm on April 17 being the latest event planned.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/footsteps-for-Liv