A FAMILY is attempting to raise �55,000 to enable their five-year-old son to receive life-changing surgery in America.

Jenson Ford has cerebral palsy and an operation which would allow him to walk without having leg splints, botox injections or enduring intensive physiotherapy for the rest of his life is not available in England.

A bingo and raffle will be held at Cassano’s night club in March on November 26 at 6pm to help the campaign which has so far raised �3,000.

Katie Ford, Jenson’s mum, said: “Every day is a struggle and we want more than anything to make Jenson’s life easier.

“Because he is partially paralysed down his right hand side he can’t do things other people take for granted, such as eating with two hands or getting dressed.”

More than 60 prices have been donated for the raffle, including hampers, vouchers, meals and a bottle of champagne.

Linda Edwards, who has been friends with Carol, Jenson’s grand mother, since school is one of the event’s organisers.

She said: “If it was my son who was suffering I would want someone to help me.”

The nurse expressed her gratitude to the local businesses for their generosity.

She said: “All the small shops have been fantastic.

“Even though we are in a recession everyone has been immensely kind and people have demonstrated they have big hearts when it comes to children.”

You can find out more about the campaign at www.jensonsjourney.co.uk