Just two months after the Evening Times revealed that a campaign had been launched to send the youngster to America for cerebral palsy treatment, the fund now stands at £26,129 towards their target of £45,000.

Ross, from Baillieston, was full of smiles ahead of his party this Sunday. But while all he can think about is a Scooby Doo themed party, his mum and dad are just delighted they have raised so much in such a short space of time.

Mum Naomi Miller, 22, said: "We can't believe we are more than halfway there and could not have wished for a better present for Ross. He is all excited about his birthday and we are just as excited at the thought treatment in America is a stop closer."

The bright and cheerful youngster can't ride a scooter, play football or walk properly because he has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which affects one side of the body.

Temporary treatments are available in the UK to help improve his walking skills, but Naomi and Ross Kerr Snr are pinning their hopes on an operation at the St Louis Children's Hospital, Missouri.

Although happy playing with his Batman toys, Ross knows he could be off on an adventure this summer.

When asked about going to America, he said: "I am going to see doctors to make me better."

The fundraising drive was launched so he can undergo selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery to improve his walking and perhaps even enable him to kick a football.

His mum added: "We have had such amazing support since we launched the campaign.

"Our friends and family have been great and even people we do not know have been donating to the website and offering to help.

"From bag packing at supermarkets, raffle nights and even running the Glasgow Women's 10K everyone has been helping."

Naomi and friends took part in the annual Women's 10K and, while sponsorship money is still coming in, it looks like they have raised about £2000 from that.

She added: "It was a tough challenge, but we were determined to do it.

"We were delighted to cross the finish line because we knew it was all worthwhile."

A charity calendar, put together by photographer Jennifer Chapman and friends, including Ross's aunt Shannon, will also be launched next month.

A fundraising night will be held at Kaldi's restaurant, Baillieston, on June 29 and last weekend they held a Rocking For Ross event, which was a battle of four bands. A charity football match will also be held this Sunday near Braehead.

Ross continues to struggle to walk and is in pain every day, which makes his parents even more determined to send him for treatment at the St Louis Children's Hospital.

Dad Ross, 26, said: "We can see things are getting more difficult for Ross.

"He has taken a jump in height and with that he seems to be having more pain when he is walking. He is still undergoing physiotherapy, but that gives only temporary relief."

The couple were told in November 2010 that Ross had hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Doctors discovered he had suffered a stroke in the womb, which resulted in motor neuron damage to the left side of his brain.

Ross's right leg was put in a cast to help straighten it and splints have been off and on ever since.

His parents discovered the St Louis Children's Hospital could provide treatment that could change the youngster's life.

Naomi said: "It will involve five weeks in America for the operation and follow-ups and then continued physiotherapy at home for several months.

"We know we have come a long way, which is great, but we still have £19,000 to raise and won't stop until we have done it."

deborah.anderson@eveningtimes.co.uk

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