A FAMILY from Melksham are raising funds to pay for a life-changing operation for their two-year-old son.

Laura and Andrew Wilson have set up Raising for Raife to support their son who has cerebral palsy after suffering a bleed on the brain at birth.

To help boost funds, they organised a charity bag pack at Asda in Bath Road on Sunday (March 19).

Mrs Wilson, 28, said: “The operation, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) isn’t available on the NHS. They can do the operation in the UK and the US, but you need to pay £45,000.

"We started off our fundraising in December and we already have between £4,000 and £5,000.

“The bag pack went really well. We had about 15 people take part in the morning and 10 in the afternoon and we raised £1,500 on the day. The people at Asda told me it was the most organised one they have ever seen.

"We brought Raife along so everyone got to meet him and see who they were raising money for.”

The operation would reduce the stiffness in Raife's legs and joints, meaning he would be able to play sports and run about with his friends.

"Despite the cerebral palsy, learnt to walk before the age of two," said Mrs Wilson.

"Our strong little man has continued to make us proud everyday. He is the happiest little man and makes us laugh daily. His determination is admirable," she added.

The couple are also on the lookout for local businesses to lend their support.

“We are hoping to see if anyone will do charity events for Raising for Raife," said Mrs Wilson.

"If anyone is planning on doing a marathon we would really appreciate it. Any local businesses would be great as well. We have already received support from Primate Clothing so I want to say a big thank you to them,” she added.

Anyone who wishes to help young Raife can donate at www.justgiving.com/raife-wilson