A GREAT SUTTON family are hugely grateful for community support which is helping young Evaline Weaver to walk again.

Last year the community rallied round and, backed by the Ellesmere Port Rotary Club, successfully raised the £21,000 required for five-year-old Evaline – who has cerebral palsy – to have a life-changing operation on her legs at Alder Hey Hospital which should allow her to walk unaided.

Evaline had the operation in April and so far, according to mum Rebecca, the results look promising.

To help with her long physiotherapy programme, the town's rotary club has not only chipped in to pay for specialist physiotherapy sessions using the money left over from last year's fundraising efforts, but club president Bill Bradley and wife Jean have helped fund a garden transformation at Evaline's home.

Rebecca, who lives with dad Tim, explained: "We had stopped fundraising once we hit our target last year as we didn't want to ask for any more, but Bill and Jean from the rotary club have been our fairy godparents.

"The bottom of our garden was so low and very soggy that Evaline wouldn't be able to use it, but they put in 35 tons of soil and put on tiles, fruit trees and plants.

"Evaline can use the whole garden now on her trike and use her physio bars.

"The operation in April has been as successful as far as we know. Evaline has got a lot more fluidity in her movement, she does not complain about pain in her legs, and she is going back on her feet using sticks.

"We are just waiting and seeing – we are hoping that by Christmas she will hopefully be able to walk short distances.

"She goes to five physiotherapy sessions a week as suggested as part of the post-operation care – she started four weeks before the operation to build strength in the legs. The full potential won't come to light for two years but so far we have not had any negative effects."

Rebecca added: "We are so grateful to everyone involved, even giving just little bits has helped. We have been so lucky."

Bill and Jean Bradley of Ellesmere Port Rotary Club added: "We would like to thank people and companies for their help in making possible the garden makeover for Evaline Weaver.

"The makeover will ensure a safe and stable environment for her to play in. and gain confidence as she recovers.

"Firstly I thank my family, friends and neighbours, who kindly donated the funds to enable the makeover.

"We also want to sincerely thank the following companies which supported the project: Burleydam Garden Centre, Childer Thornton; All in one Garden Centre, Middleton; Grab and Shift, Ledsham and Wirral Turf, Neston. We thank you all."