A TROWBRIDGE woman with cerebral palsy, who was previously confined to a wheelchair, has overcome her disability to raise funds to help fellow sufferer Harry Kirkman get the life-changing operation he needs.

Jane Shelbourne, 45, of Summerleaze, who was in a wheelchair less than six years ago, swam 45 lengths in one hour at Trowbridge Sports Centre to raise £250 for Harry’s operation fund.

The money will go towards the £60k target which will allow Harry to get a selective dorsal rhizotomy operation giving him the best chance to walk unaided.

Ms Shelbourne said: “I just wanted to do my best for Harry. I was a little worn out at the end. I am still recovering. That is a lot of lengths, 45.

“It is the most that I have ever done. I have cerebral palsy and Harry deserves the chance to walk like any other person and really needs that operation in America.

“I know what it is like to struggle with cerebral palsy and I just want to do it for him. Harry and his mum came to the swimming pool and they were really happy.

“I got to know the family through my friend Beth after I saw Harry’s story in the Wiltshire Times.”

The fund has so far reached £43,000 with a charity ball also arranged in Melksham Assembly Hall on March 19.

Ms Shelbourne said: “I had to have six operations to be able to walk again. The operation that Harry is having I could not have and he only needs to have the one operation.

“I really want to see Harry walking. He is one special little boy. After 40 lengths I was thinking that I might have to stop.

“I was getting tired but I still carried on. I was thinking of Harry walking and that is what spurred me on. I just kept going.

“Hopefully that operation will help him and I am very proud of myself that I could help him in some way.”

To donate, text HARY91 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070 or visit justgiving.com/helping-harry