A CAMPAIGN is underway to raise £40,000 for a Magor toddler to walk unaided.

Three-year-old Ruby Atkins was born prematurely at 30 weeks and diagnosed last year with bilateral cerebral palsy, meaning her ability to walk unaided is restricted.

Ruby is in need of an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which would reduce the spasticity in her legs. Combined with physiotherapy, the treatment will enable her to walk unaided.

The campaign was set up last August by Ruby's parents; Antony and Rachael Atkins who, prior to Ruby's diagnosis, helped raise money for another toddler in Newport, Maisie Cooper, who needed the same SDR treatment.

"We rode from Holyhead to Cardiff initially to raise money for Maisie," Mr Atkins said, "but by the time we took part in the bike ride Maisie had already reached her £60,000 fundraising target.

"We heard of another child in Newport who needed the treatment so we got in touch with his mother, a week later Ruby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. We injected the money raised from the bike ride into her campaign."

Initially the Atkins family hoped that Ruby wouldn't need SDR treatment, "SDR is quite an evasive operation, it involves cutting through the vertebrae," Mr Atkins said, "we were hoping to support her in other ways such as providing botox treatment, and we'd have used the money raised to help fund it.

"However, in order to give Ruby the best opportunity to walk unaided, she needs SDR."

Several hospitals in the UK conduct the surgery, however the treatment is not funded by NHS and parents are required to pay for the treatment themselves.

Mrs Atkins, along with several friends, took part in a sky dive last month to raise money for the tot. On Friday (14th March) work colleagues of Mrs Atkins will be taking part in a head shave to raise funds.

A charity car wash is to be held on Sunday 23rd March at the MUSLA car park, Magor from 10am to 4pm to raise money for Ruby's cause.

To donate to Ruby's campaign, visit http://www.justgiv">http://www.justgiv

ing.com/RubyAtkins