THE fund to help a 13-year-old boy have a life changing operation has received a major boost.

Corey Eastwood, from Dunnington, was born with cerebral palsy, which affects his legs, and he walks with the aid of a walker.

He had operations on his hamstrings about three years ago, which left him unable to bend his knees for six weeks. He still requires the walker and, when tired, a wheelchair.

His family have been told he cannot undergo a procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), which could allow Corey to walk unaided, on the NHS, as NICE guidelines state SDR is most effective when the patient is aged between three and nine years old.

After reading about Corey in The Press last week one reader, who has asked not to be named, sent a cheque for £1,000 to go towards Corey’s procedure, which Corey’s father, Will, said was fantastic.

He said: “It’s a real surprise and a massive lift to everyone. Corey was really excited about it, and the difference it’s made to the fund is huge.

“You can feel let down by the system, and this is a reminder that that’s a cog, and is not representative of society we live in, with some very dedicated and nice people out there.”

A curry night last week raised more than £600, and fundraising events will take place throughout the year to help raise the £25,000 needed for Corey’s procedure, and will be boosted by taxi firm Streamline, who regularly take Corey to school.

Drivers at the company have agreed to donate throughout August, with Streamline matching the total amount at the end of the month to further boost the fund.

Tracey Yeomans is a director with the firm and has helped Corey to Fulford School and back since earlier this year.

She said: “We just thought we could make a difference. I was at a meeting with some directors, mentioned it, and they were right behind it.

“We’ve got about 130 drivers in the company, so it should be a decent amount and it all helps.”

Will said: “Up until last week we have exhausted ourselves making sure the momentum wasn’t lost in upcoming weeks. But now people are offering to help not just with money, that means the world to us. We feel supported in more than just financial terms which is fantastic.”

“We’ve decided as a family that once Corey has the operation, we will continue to raise money for Tree Of Hope once or twice a year, because we don’t just want to take, we want to contribute back.”

To donate or to find out more, visit justgiving.com/Corey-Eastwood or treeofhope.org.uk/life-changing-opportunity

Alternatively, phone Mr Eastwood on 07891 611039.