AN OSWESTRY man who has set up life in Greece has called on his former town to help send his little girl to America for a life-changing operation.

Matt Wilson, 42, is fundraising with his family to pay for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) in St Louis, Missouri, for his six-year-old daughter Mabel.

Matt, based in Greece but is a former Woodside and Marches pupil whose family live in Friars Avenue, says the operation will give Mabel, who has cerebral palsy and needs a walker to move, the chance to walk again and the hope of living independently when older.

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He explained that the trip to see Dr TS Park is the key as he is the founder of the surgery that will reduce spasticity – involuntary movements – in Mabel’s legs and hopes to raise €100,000 – around £86,660 – by March 2024.

Border Counties Advertizer: Mabel and her twin brother Arthur. Mabel and her twin brother Arthur. (Image: Matt Wilson.)

“We want to get the message out there,” said Matt.

“But anyone support, any donations that people can give would be such an amazing contribution to Mabel’s fundraiser.

“It’s a huge task that we have – Mabel’s surgery is booked for May but we need to pay for it a month in advance.

“Mabel is quadriplegic cerebral palsy – she had brain damage from birth and has big problems with movements and suffers from spasticity, predominantly in her legs.

“The surgery will give her the chance to reduce that down to zero meaning she will be able to walk unaided.

“This, in the future, means she will hopefully be able to live independently.”

Mabel and her twin brother Arthur were born 10 weeks early, but her dad says ‘she is the loudest in the house’ and is ‘full of love and curiosity’.

Matt explained the reasons for travelling to America and while he and his family are confident about a successful outcome.

Border Counties Advertizer: Mabel with adapted skis and her mum Maria. Mabel with adapted skis and her mum Maria. (Image: Matt Wilson.)

He said: “We’re going to America because they don’t do it in Greece and we obviously don’t qualify through the NHS.

“We’ve done lots of online appointments with the hospital and Dr Park is the founder of it, so we were able to apply online which helped because Arthur is autistic so we don’t have to keep going to different places.

“We’re very positive – we’ve spoken to the surgeons and they’re giving it a very high chance of success to reduce the spasticity.”

You can donate to the cause at https://whydonate.com/en/fundraising/help-mabel-walk

Matt added that the total is a ‘mammoth goal to achieve in such a short space of time’ but said they are doing all they can.

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He continued: “We are making money boxes for shops until 1am.

“We’re getting support off people who want them there but it is hard work with also looking after two children and full-time jobs.

“It’s a huge push to get her to America to get this operation.”