A DETERMINED mum is trying to raise £50,000 for life changing surgery for her poorly son.

Tasha Worland, 35, is calling on the community to donate whatever they can to pay for three-year-old Kyle, who has cerebral palsy, to have a major operation on his spinal cord.

The selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery will permanently reduce stiffness in his muscles and improve balance- giving the tot the chance to walk alongside his friends.

The Worland family, of East Street, Rochford, need to travel to Missouri, in America, for the operation.

Kyle was diagnosed with hypertonia, a form of cerebral palsy where the muscles tighten, when he was just 18-months-old.

Talking about his ongoing treatment, his mum aid: “You name it, he has had it, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, music therapy and speech therapy. We will try anything that will improve Kyle’s independence.

“We have had to have a lot of treatment privately because the NHS has long waiting lists and it’s the same with the operation, we have to pay for it ourselves. But if the operation will help get Kyle walking quicker, it is worth it.”

“I heard about the operation through a friend that takes place in America, after lots of form filling we have been accepted for surgery at St Louis hospital for Children.”

The operation will last between four and five hours and involves testing each nerve to establish which one is causing the stiffness in Kyle's muscles.

Having recently been contacted by a British woman whose son had the same operation in the UK, Tasha is exploring the possibility of having it here.

She added: “The one thing that frustrates Kyle is not being able to walk with his friends, it doesn't stop him though, he has mastered a very fast crawl.”

“Kyle doesn’t know too much about what is happening, he is used to hospitals but is still a happy child. He does everything normal children do, he just struggles with his balance and muscles."

The family took a break from fundraising to visit Sea Life Adventure, on Southend seafront, this week.

Tasha said: “Normal children get to spend weekends at farms and attractions, Kyle usually spends his at appointments. We are trying to do more fun things with Kyle and Sea Life is one of them.”

The family have so far raised £8,000 towards their goal and hope to have Kyle will be able to undergo the surgery in September or October.

To donate, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/natasha-worland