A six-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who underwent life-changing surgery before Christmas is now walking independently.

Palace Wood School pupil Lily-Mae Leadsham was diagnosed with the condition aged two, meaning she relied on a frame to move around, but longed to be able to run, jump and dance like her friends.

Parents Kerry and Sam were told she was too young to take part in an NHS-funded trial, so faced a hefty bill for the costs of special surgery, and the aftercare, sparking a fundraising campaign which saw donations flood in from people across Kent.

The procedure, selective dorsal rhizotomy, took place at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital in November and has proved to be a huge success in reducing spasticity in her legs.

Since the fundraising campaign was launched two years ago, the family have smashed their £60,000 target, after money was raised through events including quiz nights and a sponsored kayak, with further contributions still expected in the coming weeks.

As well as the operation, it has enabled them to fund equipment to boost her strength, including a treadmill and therapy bench.

Now after weeks of hard work, the youngster has taken her first independent steps and was filmed by her mum this week enjoying the play area at Whatman Park.

Mrs Leadsham, of Finch Court, Ringlestone, said: "She has come along so much, not just walking by herself but sitting cross-legged and all sorts of things she never used to be able to do.

"She's always smiling, even after the operation itself, but she's really loving it.

"It's given her a lot more independence and she can now go to the toilet and wash her hands by herself.

"There's lots of hard work ahead, and she still has private therapy three times a week, but we're seeing such good results."

To donate to Lily-Mae’s fund visit tinyurl.com/lilymaeKM