The family of a one-year-old boy from Pontllanfraith have started a fundraising campaign after they found out he couldn’t have life changing surgery on the NHS in Wales.
Awstin Raymond suffers from Spastic Diplegia, a type of Cerebral Paulsy which affects the legs and causes symptoms like muscle stiffness and spasms.
Awstin is currently prescribed medication, but a new surgical treatment, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), cuts nerve fibres in the spinal cord, which can help improve vision, speech, and leg function.
This form of surgery is usually reserved for younger children between the ages of two and four, however it isn’t provided by NHS Wales, despite being available in England.
That has prompted Awstin’s mother, Clare Williams, to launch a fundraising campaign, aiming to raise up to £50,000 for the procedure that she says would change Awstin’s life.
Ms Williams told Caerphilly Observer: “We just don’t understand why it [the surgery] isn’t funded in Wales, when it is so life changing for children like Awstin.
“Without SRD, Awstin would have to have surgery to straighten his legs from too much pressure when he’s growing, which will cause them to grow curved, and cause problems with his hips. SRD would change everything about the way he lives.”
Ms Williams has set up Awstin’s Journey to SDR Surgery appeal to begin fundraising, with events like a skydive and sponsored walks already planned.
She added: “We are just looking for people or companies that might be able to help in anyway they can. If we can also raise awareness, then hopefully the government can look into funding it in the future.”
To donate to Awstin’s appeal, go to www.gofundme.com/awstins-journey-for-sdr.