A MOTHER is hoping to raise £50,000 for surgery she believes could transform her son's life.

Ashley Granger, 26, needs the cash to take nine-year-old Joshua, who has a rare form of cerebral palsy, to the US for specialist treatment.

Joshua was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy when he was just one year old. While temporary treatments help, his family are pinning their hopes on a life-changing operation.

Ms Granger hopes Joshua can undergo selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery to improve his walking and possibly allow him to play football with his friends.

Ms Granger, of Glasgow, found the St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri offered treatment. The operation will involve around four weeks in America and then physiotherapy at home for several months. It will cost the family about £50,000.

Ms Granger added: "This operation is by no means a cure for Joshua's cerebral palsy, but it is a treatment that will transform his life.

"We would love to hear from anyone who can help, or has any ideas about raising funds."