FUNDRAISING for a Rogiet toddler has reached £30,000 for a life changing operation to help her walk unaided.

The family of three-year-old Ruby Atkins, who has cerebral palsy, are three quarters of the way to raising £40,000 needed for a an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which could enable her to walk independently. The money has been raised through afternoon tea, car washes, raffles, and individual fundraising such as completing the Abergavenny Three Peaks.

The charity committee of AB InBev’s Magor Brewery have donated £600 towards climbing equipment to help with Ruby’s physiotherapy.

Antony Atkins, father of Ruby, said: “It’s very generous of them - we are very touched for the donation. We will be able to purchase an activity frame for Ruby which will really help her to make the extensive physiotherapy she requires a little more fun and playful.”

Edna Young, treasure of Magor Helping Hand Charity committee, said: “The workers from the brewery donate money from their wages every month to enter a prize draw. What’s left over from that we give to charity.

“We thought to help Ruby walk was such a good cause which we could donate to and she’s local to the area.”

The toddler will undergo a treatment of Botox in September at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, which will help to relax her muscles before her operation.

Mr Atkins added: “Ruby will have to do intensive physiotherapy for four or five weeks after the Botox to work on her muscles. It will give the neurosurgeon a better insight into the affect the operation will have on Ruby.

“We have three fundraisers left for August and the beginning of September - hopefully this will be the last push that we need.”

The family hope Ruby will have her operation at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Currently the NHS is not funding the operation but trials in England and Wales are being carried out with a limited amount of children being operated on.

The next fundraiser will be a music night at Dewstow Golf Club, on August 16. There will be a memorabilia auction which includes a signed ruby ball by Warren Gatland and a Gwent Dragons signed rugby top.

For details visit justgiving.com/rubyatkins