A FAMILY are pleading for people to donate vital funds to transform their disabled son’s life.

Parents Laura Watt and Steffan Jones, who live in Sycamore Road South, Griffithtown, have spoken publicly for the first time about their son’s life with cerebral palsy.

Four-year-old Rhys Jones was diagnosed with the condition when he was 18 months. It affects his co-ordination – and means he cannot walk without help.

“He is a very happy boy,” said Miss Watt.

“We were shocked when we found out that he had spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Since the diagnosis, we have always tried our best to help Rhys.

“He wants to run with his friends outside. At the end of the day, all children want to be able to do this.”

“Sadly, he cannot walk on his own, though.

“It is not a major issue at the moment but as he gets older – and becomes more aware of things – it will.”

The 31-year-old said that the family have since launched a fundraising page in a desperate bid to raise £50,000 for an operation to help their son to walk.

She said: “We are fundraising for a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) operation which releases the spasticity in his legs.

“The operation is to help him walk unaided. That is the hope.

“Unfortunately, it is a lot of money but we will have to raise it. We are looking at £50,000. We have been told that the NHS will not offer the operation at the moment.”

She added: “Now is the time for him to have the operation before he gets any older. The operation will also stop any potential deformities from happening.”

Miss Watt is encouraging people to donate money so their son’s life can be “changed around”.

“We take it for granted that we can just get up and walk,” she said.

“Without the operation he will be confined to a wheelchair for his adult life.

“People should donate to change his life around. We are pleading for people to help. We do not have that sort of money.”

And Mr Jones added: “Some people do not think of these things until it happens to them.

“I really hope people are able to give money towards the operation for our son Rhys.

“If he does have the operation it will change the whole family’s life around.

“I am feeling positive that we will make the £50,000 target. It will not be easy but it can be achieved.”

So far the family have raised £2,000 towards their target and they are currently awaiting raised money from a recent fundraising event at Ysgol Panteg.

If you would like to make a donation, you need to visit the website https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-watt-1

And for information on cerebral palsy, you can visit bit.ly/2L8Wsbi