The family of an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy are hoping to raise £60,000 for life changing surgery so he can one day walk.

Connor Nightingale, from Morden, was taken into care at the age of one, the same time he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia, a condition that tightens his leg muscles limiting his mobility.

At 17 months, Connor was put in foster care with Tom and Hilary Nightingale who adopted him last year.

Mr Nightingale said: "He can’t walk unaided and he’s wheelchair-bound must of the time but he gets around on his knees.

"He gets very emotional and downhearted about his condition.

"His dream is to be able to play football and participate in all the games his peers play."

Fresh hope has come from the US where doctors are carrying out pioneering spinal surgery at the St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri which would reduce Connor's spasticity and allow him the chance of a normal life.

With a 100 per cent success rate, Connor’s parents are desperate for him to have the surgery.

But at a cost of £60,000 for five weeks of treatment in the US, two operations and extensive physiotherapy on return to the UK, his family have launched a campaign to raise the money needed.

Mr Nightingale said: ""He would be able to walk and play with his friends. He would be one of the boys and have a normal childhood."

For more information or to make a donation visit justgiving.com/connor-nightingale