A FOUR-YEAR-OLD Hampshire boy is enjoying his first pain-free Christmas thanks to a life-changing operation.

James Mills was born with cerebral palsy which meant that he has always had difficulty moving his legs and never learnt to walk.

His mum, Vicki Mills, 30, from Hythe, says she first found out about the operation two years ago while researching cerebral palsy on the internet.

The procedure, known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), can improve mobility by cutting the faulty nerves responsible for muscle rigidity.

Vicki made enquiries about the operation and a date was set for James to be given assessment.

After James went for his assessment and Vicki was told he would be eligible for it, she learned that the NHS had withdrawn funding for that op.

Vicki was told the operation and aftercare would cost around £50,000.

As James’ condition had grown worse over the years and he was in daily pain, Vicki felt she had to agree to the operation and then find a way of paying for it.

In October she was told the operation could go ahead the following February 5.

Vicki was then faced with the daunting task of raising the funds.

She started a Just Giving page, and put on fundraising events in order to pay for the procedure.

Vicki noticed a large donation of £5,000 on her Just Giving page and recognised the name alongside the donation as Leon Crouch, former Saints chairman and Lymington-based businessman.

Vicki got in touch with Mr Crouch to thank him and he asked her to visit him at his firm’s offices. He told her that he would fund for the rest of her costs.

At that point Vicki had raised about £17,000 and was wondering how she would be able to raise the rest in time.

The Daily Echo asked Vicki how she felt about Mr Crouch’s generous act and she said: “What can I say? I still can’t quite believe it to this day. He gave a lump sum just when we were struggling. We had an operation date but couldn’t pay for it. I was gobsmacked. I was emotional for a few days after.”

Since James had the operation this February he has had a new lease of life.

Vicki says she noticed a change in her son almost immediately after the op. At first his feet could move more easily then after a few days he was able to stand on his own for the first time in his life. She said: “It was incredible. Bit of a tear jerker. I cried my eyes out at the time. It was really life-changing. I don’t know why the NHS aren’t funding it. It’s crazy”

Now James is able to do all sorts of things, he wasn’t able to do before, walk and run at home and sit up on his own, as well as get in and out of his bed without help and is without pain. Although he still uses a wheelchair and a walker for longer periods.

His mother said: “He’s so much happier. He smiles every day now. He seems like a different boy. He’s more active than other four year olds I reckon. He’s making up for lost time.”

Vicki says that she has been told by doctors that her son may be walking unaided by the time he is six.

James now attends Hythe Primary School, something his mother would not have considered possible before. Vicki said: “James has got lots of friends and runs around the playground with his walking frame”

As well as attending school for the first time James has been to his first pantomime - Robin Hood at the Mayflower Theatre.

Vicki said: “This time last year I wouldn’t have done it. He would have been in pain and would have needed medication.”

This Christmas looks set to be a much happier one for James and his mum.

Vicki said: “This has completely changed his life. We are so looking forward to Christmas. We don’t have any worries at all for the first time since he was born. Before, we were always worried about future operations, treatments and dealing with his pain.”

“It’s going to be amazing. I can’t thank everyone enough. The Daily Echo were the first to back the campaign. If it weren’t for you guys we wouldn’t have got most of the donations. We wouldn’t have got where we did, so thanks.”