THE family of a little girl with cerebral palsy have successfully raised £45,000 needed for her to have a life-changing operation.

Libby Lee from Keston was a toddler when she was diagnosed with the condition.

Having endured eight years of being able to barely walk, she is now to have a life-changing operation in America.

It is hoped the selective dorsal rhizotomy operation will release the stiffness in her legs, helping the Green Street Green Primary School pupil to sit, stand and walk more easily.

Libby’s mum Toni said: “As a family we cannot thank everybody enough for their kindness, hard work and support in helping to achieve our goal for Libby.”

The operation in July and year-long aftercare in the UK means Libby will be able to walk without any assistance in her home, and use only one or two sticks outdoors.

Libby’s family, who run The Greyhound pub in Commonside, Keston, have been fundraising for the past four months and have raised £47,148.

They now aiming to raise £55,000 in total to allow Libby to have further treatment to improve her lifestyle.

Any extra cash beyond this will be used to pay for Libby’s conductive education therapy, which costs £55 an hour.

Her mum added: “Libby has a long road ahead and it will be a good year after the operation, before she reaches her full potential.

“She will have to work extremely hard and it won’t be easy for her.”