A YOUNG boy from Bournemouth who cannot walk unaided is being taken to America for surgery denied to him on the NHS.

Ann and Nick Robinson, of Queens Park Avenue, experienced a traumatic time 18 months ago when fourth child Theo was born.

Arriving eight weeks early after an emergency delivery, his parents at first put his lack of mobility down to development problems associated with premature birth.

“Eventually we went to Poole Hospital and they diagnosed him with hip dysplasia, which means his hip was basically out,” said Ann.

“His x-ray showed he had no hip socket so we all thought that was the reason for his lack of mobility – which of course it was, but it hid the fact that he had something else.”

When Theo continued to make no progress, Ann took him back to the doctor and two days before his first birthday was given the heartbreaking news that he had cerebral palsy.

“It was absolutely devastating,” added Ann. “All your thoughts and hopes for your child just suddenly change.”

Theo often suffers severe pain in his legs, with Ann and Nick being told by doctors in America that selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery could stop this and allow him to walk within two years.

The procedure involves cutting some of the nerves in the lower spinal column to relieve leg stiffness. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence has issued guidance that SDR is most effective for children older than four years old and availability is limited.

However, Ann intends to take her boy to America for the $40,000 surgery as soon as possible.

“We will re-mortgage the house if we have to,” added Ann.

She continued: “The longer you leave it the more damage is done.”

Ann and Nick are fundraising for Theo's operation. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/helptheowalk.