BRAVE little Jacob Buckett faces a race against time to raise funds for life changing surgery which could help him walk.

Jacob, four, from Canford Heath, finds it hard to put his feet flat on the ground due to his condition and as a result his hip bones are starting to come out of the socket.

His family hope a selective dorsal rhizotomy (sdr), to be carried out at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, will make it easier for Jacob to get around.

They originally had until Jacob's fifth birthday in October to raise the £36,000 needed for the operation and physiotherapy.

But during a hospital appointment last week they were told his condition was deteriorating and that he would need the operation within the next two months or risk being wheelchair bound for life.

"It was quite a shock for us," said mum Amanda, 36.

"We thought we had more time but he started getting muscle contractions in his legs and if we don't do the sdr as soon as possible then he may never walk unaided again.

"It's quite scary for us because we have been fighting so hard to raise enough money for the operation."

The operation, not available on the NHS, could restore the function in his legs by as much as 75 per cent, the family has been told.

It is estimated to cost around £21,000 - but Jacob will also need intensive physiotherapy following the surgery which also needs to be paid for privately.

Many youngsters who have undergone the procedure in Britain and the US, many of whom have forms of spasticity related to cerebral palsy, have seen their ability to walk improved and aches and pains reduced.

"This is now a race against time to make sure we have enough funding to get Jacob this operation," added mum-of-five Amanda.

"So far people have been really generous and following the news last week have rallied around to help raise the money.

"Around £3,000 was raised in just 24 hours and Jacob's friend Ethan Burney has also agreed to donate £2,200. We are just so grateful and thankful for all the continued support."

Around £22,000 has been raised so far - more than two-thirds of the way there.

To donate go to justgiving.com/fundraising/The-DCF-Appeal-Jacob.