A COURAGEOUS young Halesowen boy who is set to undergo a life-changing amputation has received “overwhelming” support from the community.

Nine-year-old Daniel Webster was found to have a desmoid tumour in his right hip and thigh about four years ago, but despite chemo and radiotherapy the growth refuses to let go.

His family have been told that the only way to get rid of it will be to have the whole of his right leg amputated, as well as have part of his hip taken away.

The youngster, who is affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attended Lutley Primary School before being home schooled since September, will undergo an operation on March 8.

His mum Trina told the News: “It has been so tough for Daniel to go through everything. It felt like he was taking a step backwards when we had to take him out of school because it got to the stage when he couldn’t manage it any more.

“I know it sounds strange, but since he found out he was going to have the amputation earlier this year, and everything that goes along with it, it’s really seemed to bring him out of his shell.

“It’s been like a relief for him. It’s taken a weight of his back to know something is being done to help stop the pain.”

Halesowen News:

Following the tumour diagnosis, Trina and Daniel’s dad Jason have been fundraising to support their son’s care, with his mum even shaving off her hair to help fund a wheelchair.

But Jodi Harper, a friend of the Webster family is trying to take the stress off the parents-of-eight by setting up a justgiving page to help pay for adaptations to the family home and to create a ‘safe space’ for Daniel following his operation.

Jodi said: “His parents have never asked for a thing off anyone and are always the first to offer help when it's needed, so I feel that they deserve some of the pressure taken off them.

“As friends and family of this amazing family, I want us to raise as much as possible to take some of the stress away and help them create a safe and accessible environment for Daniel.

“This little boy and his family have been through so much they deserve a break.”

The page, which can be visited at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jodi-harper, has already raised more than £1,500 for Daniel – a 2016 winner of the Midlands Children of Courage award.

Halesowen News:

Trina added: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we’ve had, not just from our friends, but we’ve even had complete strangers who we’ve never spoken to before donate and message us offering to help.

“I’m originally from Leeds, but have lived in Halesowen for 13 years now, and it’s heart-warming to know that people here are so generous and have gone above and beyond to support us.

“We’ve already stated to make changes to the house but we’d also love to take Daniel on a holiday once he has recovered later in the summer, so the money will be a great help.”