A COUPLE from Sheepwash raising money for their grandson to receive life-changing surgery in the United States are within touching distance of their target — as the request for his surgery gets the green light.

Anna and Buster Jones are raising money for their three-year-old grandson, Jenson Tucker.

Jenson was deprived of oxygen at birth, and at six months old was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. Shortly after he turned one he was also diagnosed with epilepsy.

The couple are aiming to raise £65,000 so Jenson can travel to St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri and have a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) operation.

Jenson cannot have the operation through the NHS.

The procedure aims to reduce spasms caused by Jenson's condition.

In a letter to Jenson's family from St Louis Children's Hospital, it is expected the operation will permanently reduce his spasticity, his sitting and standing postures will improve, his transitions between postures will be easier and faster, and his level of comfort will improve.

Most crucially of all, the operation should make Jenson able to walk with a walker or crutches in the future.

The money will also be put towards physiotherapy and special equipment to help get him on his feet following the operation.

Having reached £62,825, just shy of their £65,000 target, the family received the news that Jenson has been accepted to have the surgery in Missouri.

Anna Jones said: 'When we first applied, we were told that Jenson needed more core strength. With the help of a very good physiotherapist and a lot of hard work, the surgeon now feels Jenson is a very good candidate.

'We are absolutely delighted, although slightly apprehensive, and can't wait for Jenson to have this life-changing procedure.

'Unfortunately there is quite a waiting list as more and more children are having this operation. We are waiting to be allocated a date, possibly June or July, but there is nothing definite yet.

'Jenson's fund is so very nearly at its target now, and we can't thank everyone who has helped us enough.

'It's an amazing amount of money raised in a year.'

On Saturday, March 29, Sheepwash Village Hall will host a wine and wisdom night organised by Paulette Jackson and Janet Burden. Teams of six can enter at £5 per person. To book a team call Paulette on 01409 231523.

Hatherleigh Community Centre will host a comedy night on Thursday, May 29 starring Johnny Cowling. Hatherleigh Rotary is organising the event in aid of Jenson.

Tickets are available at £10 each from Richard Tidball Insurance on 01837 810010.

If the fundraising target is exceeded before Jenson's surgery, any extra funds raised will be used towards the specialist equipment he will need after his surgery.