A FATHER has launched an appeal for help raising money for an operation that could enable his disabled son to walk unaided for the first time.

Fazer Mossman was born five years ago with cerebral palsy, which effects his coordination and movement.

His parents, Colin and Amrika, were initially told by medical experts that Fazer would never be able to walk, but they refused to accept their son’s condition could not improve and have fought tirelessly for him to gain the treatment he needs.

Experts in Oxford have helped Fazer build the strength to walk with a frame, but recently Colin and Amrika heard about groundbreaking treatment pioneered in St Louis, Missouri, in the USA, that could enable Fazer to walk normally.

Amrika Mossman, 31, of Manford Way in Chigwell, said: “We saw an expert in Bristol who was trained by surgeons in St Louis and when he saw Fazer said that he thought he would greatly benefit from the treatment.

“He is fighting for the procedure to be more widely available here but they do not currently have the expert physiotherapists to provide the essential support after the operation.

“Like all surgery there are risks, especially with operations to the back, but we just want to give our child a chance to walk,” said Mrs Mossman.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence declared last year that the procedure can improve spasticity, or movement difficulties, in the long term for those with cerebral palsy.

It authorised doctors to recommend the treatment but campaigners say more post-operation support is required for it to be successful here.

The family needs to raise £50,000 to fund the treatment.

Colin Mossman, 45, who is a builder, said: “A friend will be running the London marathon to raise money in April and I am planning a sponsored motorbike ride.

“We are looking for any suggestions about how we might be able to raise the money.

"We have always said to Fazer ‘don’t tell us that you can’t do something’, we always tell him that you can it. He is very stubborn and determined.

“We are asking for people’s help to give him the opportunity to run and walk and live a normal life.”

To donate to Fazer’s operation fund or contact the family with fundraising suggestions visit www.fazersdreamtorun.com or call 020 8500 5112.