AN EVESHAM mother says she will do everything she can to ensure enough money is raised to allow her son to take his first steps.

Ben Harris-Bell, aged two, was born in November 2012, arriving early but with no problems.

His mother, Emma, said the first sign of anything being wrong came nine months later when Ben still wasn't able to sit up by himself, or crawl.

Doctors later confirmed that Ben, who lives with his mum and younger brother, Ollie, in Henry Fowler Close, had cerebral palsy, and Miss Bell pledged to raise the thousands of pounds needed to give Ben pioneering surgery to allow him to walk.

"The surgery — Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy — needs to be done in America, and we need to raise £60,000 to cover the cost of the operation as well as the stay for three weeks. That is our minimum target, because a further £50,000 will be needed to provide Ben with physiotherapy. It's a huge task, but I will do everything I can to get my boy to walk. I'll go without shoes on my feet if it means we can raise this money," she said.

"Ben can't talk or sit up on his own, but we hope the talking will come with time. But he needs this operation to allow him to be mobile. The operation will sever the damaged nerves, stopping Ben's stiffness and pain. Ben is otherwise a very happy little boy, he really is amazing. Sometimes he does look at other children and see them walking and moving around and you can see that he wishes he could do the same, but he is very happy. He loves reading, he loves animals, he loves going to the park. He's just a lovely little boy.

"I know it is tough for everyone right now, so anything anyone can give is hugely appreciated."

With the help of family and friends, Miss Bell has so far raised £6,145 through various activities such as fun nights, walks and collections.

On May 16 money will be raised through a Mud Runner in Kidderminster and a cycle ride will be held from Big Ben in London to where Ben will be waiting in Offenham on June 13.

To keep up to date with the fundraising campaign, visit www.facebook.com/bensfirststeps.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/bensfirststeps.