CALDICOT toddler Imogen Ashwell-Lewis will be the first child in Wales to have a life-changing operation funded by the Welsh NHS.

Imogen's family rallied for months to raise the £40,000 needed for an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) treatment.

Imogen, who suffers from spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, will undergo the treatment which will reduce spasticity in her legs and enable Imogen to walk unaided.

Catherine Ashwell-Rice, Imogen's Mum, said: "It is because so many parents in Wales have fundraisers for this operation and campaigned for funding, that the NHS are finally moving forward by supporting this procedure.

"Every penny we have raised can now be used for Imogen's rehabilitation and equipment over the next few years ensuring she is given the best possible chance of the operation being a total success."

Imogen's long-awaited operation will take place on the 12th January.