LITTLE Jayden-Vito Mazzotta-Drapper is set to be one of the first children in the South West to receive free NHS surgery to allow him to walk unaided for the first time.

In July, health chiefs announced their intention to pay for the life-changing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy procedure, which had previously cost parents up to £24,000, as part of a three-year programme.

Now, the family of the three-year-old from Walcot have been told he could be one of the first in the South West to be selected to receive the treatment for free.

His mother Charlene said the news had been a dream come true after months of uncertainty.

“We are so excited and so happy,” she said.

“We went to the Children’s Hospital in Bristol on Friday and the surgeon and physio did an assessment together. Basically they said they thought Jayden was a good candidate. He fits the right criteria. He is going to have a couple more assessments but they’re pretty sure it’s going to be funded by the NHS.

“We were a bit shocked when we found out. It’s hard to imagine him walking because it’s never happened. But I would love to see him kick a ball with his brother. He deserves it. I can’t wait. He will be so much more comfortable.”

Jayden was diagnosed with spastic diplegia at the age of one, a muscle-stiffness which prevents him from standing on his legs or walking without the support of a frame.

The procedure could be scheduled early next year after his fourth birthday.

Prior to the launch of the free NHS pilot scheme, Charlene has succeeded in raising £24,000 through events and donations from the community.

The sum will now be spent on the months of physiotherapy necessary to build Jayden’s muscle strength after the operation as well as travel expenses and additional equipment for him.

This may prove slightly short of the overall cost. But the NHS may offer funding towards the physiotherapy sessions.

“We have £24,000 and we are hoping it will be enough,” said Charlene, 31.

“Hopefully this will pay for travel expenses and a chair to build his muscles – which costs £3,000.

“But now we don’t have to worry so much about the money side of things. We can just concentrate on Jayden and getting him better.”

But despite her joy at the news, the mother-of-two said she could not help but feel apprehensive.

“They did tell us the first 24 hours are horrific,” she added.

“Jayden will be in intensive care for 48 hours. It’s going to be really hard. It’s a funny feeling: you are so happy and excited but it’s so scary to know it’s going to happen. But we have got to look at the bigger picture. It’s going to stop the pain. It’s going to change his whole life.”