THE family and friends of a disabled boy raised nearly £1,000 in a weekend for a groundbreaking operation to help him walk for the first time.

The family of six-year-old Ben Gannon packed supermarket bags at Morrisons in Malvern on Sunday raising £953 towards an operation which will help him take his first steps.

As previously reported in your Worcester News, Ben has cerebral palsy and his parents need help to fund the operation at the St Louis Children’s Hospice in Missouri, America, so he can walk with a walking frame or crutches.

Mum Lorriane Gannon, of Malvern, said Ben and about 14 other family members, friends and colleagues spent about five hours helping with the bag packing at the supermarket and were impressed with the generosity of shoppers.

Mrs Gannon said: “Ben was there to supervise efficient bag packing and good service. Ben was closely monitoring his mum, nanny, uncle Jon, aunty Louise and cousin Kate.”

He was joined by friends Catherine Watson, Harry Watson, Andrew Kilmister, Jake Wattison, Rachel Hammett, Lyn Avery, fellow school friend Max Windsor-Peplow and school teacher assistant Clare Windsor Peplow.

Mrs Gannon said: “Many people asked about Ben’s story and were interested to hear how Ben’s condition of cerebral palsy could be helped by an operation in USA that should enable him to walk.”

So far the appeal has raised £14,404. The life-changing trip will cost about £45,000 and the family hope the cash can be raised through their own fund-raising efforts and by donations from the public.

The operation, physiotherapy and therapy equipment needed will cost about £37,000 and the remaining £8,000 is for flights, accommodation, equipment and expenses.

Those interested in the appeal can join the Ben Gannon’s Appeal group on Facebook; visit the website bengannonappeal.co.uk; or call Ben’s mum on 07870 584382.