SEVEN-year-old Chase Vaughan is recovering in Bristol's Frenchay hospital today (19th June) after surgery to improve her mobility.

The Monmouth girl went into theatre at 9am Monday morning (17th June) for an operation that lasted four-and-a-half hours.

Chase (pictured) is still in a high dependency unit, and will need a further two weeks of intensive physiotherapy in the hospital.

"I'm so glad to get the operation over and done with, it has been a real worry on my mind," said mum Helen Morgan.

"Chase has some pain in her back and legs which is to be expected, but she is being really brave.

"She is on some oxygen because of her asthma but they should be able to move her from the unit in the next few days.

"The nurses have been fantastic with her and she is getting on with everyone. She has even made friends with some of the other children."

The money to fund the operation was raised by the residents of Monmouth and the surrounding areas during an eight-month campaign led by Helen. The campaign raised £3,000 more than the £40,000 needed for the operation and drew to a close this May. Remaining monies will be needed for Chase's aftercare.

"There is some worry that Chase's muscles are too short now and that she may need a further operation in the future to lengthen them," added Helen, "we will just have to wait and see."

Chase was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two, and has long suffered with stiffness in her legs. Chase walks on her tip toes and as a result falls over a lot; to help her balance she wears splints every day and undertakes physiotherapy before and after school to help to stretch her muscles.

The Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) operation that Chase underwent was until last year only ever available in the US, and is not available on the NHS in Wales.

SDR pinpoints the nerves in the spine that cause the spasticity in Chase's legs enabling them to be eliminated. The hope is that Chase will soon be able to run, play and jump like her friends.