Little Noah waiting for life-changing op (From York Press)

Noah Banks waiting for life-changing op

10:46am Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A SELBY boy is just weeks away from having a life changing operation that will allow him to walk unaided for the very first time.

Noah Banks was born prematurely, and later diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. His parents, Julie and Chris, were advised he may never be able to walk or talk.

However, six-year-old Noah has grown to be a vocal and bright boy, and though he needs a walking frame to get around, family and friends set up Noah’s Appeal to raise £22,000 for the life changing operation.

Julie said: “We feel like it’s all coming together now. It’s really happening, and getting very real now.

“We’re just trying to build him up now, exercising every day, readying his back, making him as strong as possible for when he has the operation.”

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy has been taking place in Bristol for a number of years, but this is the first time the operation will have been performed in Leeds.

Specialist Dr John Goodden has liaised closely with Noah and his family, and studied the procedure in St Louis, under Dr Park, who performed the same operation on Willow Emmison-Neal earlier this year. The family are still waiting to hear a final date for the £20,000 operation, but expect it should be in November.

Julie said: “He’s been very good, really pushed for it for the past 18 months, and we’ve finally got there, slowly but surely.” “These are very exiting times, but we just want it done now. Hopefully he’ll be on his feet to enjoy a nice family Christmas.”

This weekend, fundraisers have organised an 80s-themed event at Kellington Manor, to help raise money for Noah’s Appeal, and the many months of aftercare he will need following the operation.

Tickets cost £12, including food and disco, and are available from Kellington Manor, or by emailing noahsappeal@live.co.uk

To donate to Noah’s Appeal, go to justgiving.com/JULIE-BANKS2