A DELIGHTFUL 10-year-old is a step closer to getting a life-changing operation - but the family still need to raise at least another £9,000 for vital aftercare.

Helen and Robert Kenner from Wyke Regis are determined to hit their £40,000 target in their final push for their daughter, Tahlia, to have a life-changing operation and necessary aftercare that will dramatically improve her quality of life. 

With the support of their family, friends and generous members of the public the family have raised just over £31,000 since September.

The surgery Tahlia needs is called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), and could not be funded on the NHS.

The family have been overwhelmed with the support they have received and the extreme lengths people have gone to help.

Members of the family, including dad Robert, and close friends recently braved a 15,000ft skydive, raising more than £2,600.

Robert said: "It was an amazing experience and we've raised so much and there is still sponsorship money to come in. It was our fourth attempt - every time we went the weather changed or the wind picked up and we couldn't do it.

"Ladies in Wey-ting raised £309 by hosting a quiz night at the Lugger Inn and Steve Coward from Chickerell Football Club presented a cheque for £500 to Tahlia. Betterment Properties also got in touch and gave us a £4,000 cheque as well.

"Our SDR coordinator contacted us recently and it is looking like around the September or October mark for her operation. There is still a possibility we could get bumped up the list so we are really doing a final push on the fundraising."

Helen said: "We've spoken to Children's Total Therapy, who will be helping Tahlia with her aftercare. They charge £75 an hour and Tahlia will need two sessions a week. So for a year that will cost us more than £7,000. It's also been recommended for Tahlia to have hydro-sessions which will cost around £3,000 for the year. We have also been advised to get her a trike to help strengthen her muscles - that's £2,500."

On Saturday, June 4, six people including, Robert, Patrick and Callum Kenner, Graham Davies, Peter Wellman and Connor Upson will be hiking up Mount Snowdon, taking the Watkin Path - one of the hardest routes.

A charity evening of Mediumship with Dan Clarke is being held at the Centenary Club on Thursday, July 7 from 6pm.

Anyone who would like to donate can visit justgiving.com/Helen-Kenner/ or text TSDR50 to 70070. For more information about upcoming events or to book your tickets, or to donate a raffle prize email helen.kenner@yahoo.co.uk or call 01305 766143.