A SEVEN-year-old Monmouth girl has taken her first steps after undergoing a second operation to prevent her from relying on a wheelchair in the future.

Surgeons successfully carried out a radical procedure on Chase, from Monmouth, who suffers from a debilitating nerve-muscle condition known as spastic diplegia cerebral palsy in June before undergoing a second operation at Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital to lengthen the muscles in her legs a fortnight ago. The condition meant she walked on her toes, had stiffness in her legs and poor balance and coordination.

Chase, who attends Osbaston Church in Wales Primary, was born 15 weeks early – weighing just 1lb 8oz and had to wear splints and have regular physiotherapy.

Her mum, Helen Morgan, 31, of Cornwallis Way, raised £40,000 in eight months to fund a procedure not available on the NHS, known as selective dorsal rhizotomy which uses a technique developed in St Louis, USA.

It involves making an incision in the spine to divide nerve roots that contribute to the spasticity.

It will help avoid further muscle deterioration and stiffness. The youngster is recovering well and already walking unaided, even up and down stairs.

Miss Morgan said: “ Chase is doing brilliantly.

“She started walking again last week and can put her feet flat on the ground.

“Her balance and movement are improving every day.”

Chase said: “The hospital couldn’t believe how well I am doing, they are really impressed, they said that I’m the strongest kid in the world.”

Her legs have been in plaster since the initial operation but these are due to come off on Tuesday. She won’t need another operation but will require three years of physiotherapy.