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Eddie is a bright, determined little boy with a big smile and an even bigger spirit - but every day he faces challenges that most of us take for granted. Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery could change his life, giving him the chance to move more freely, with less pain, and greater independence. With your support, we can help Eddie take steps toward a future full of possibility - every donation, no matter how small, brings him closer to that life-changing opportunity.
Why we are fundraising
We are raising funds to support Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery and the intensive rehabilitation that follows, which could significantly improve Eddie’s comfort, mobility, and long term independence.
Eddie has cerebral palsy and is extremely active, motivated, and engaged in therapy and sport. SDR is not routinely available via the NHS in many cases, despite being recommended for some children who, like Eddie, work hard physically and show strong potential for functional gains.
If surgery is confirmed, the costs of surgery, follow up care, and rehabilitation will be substantial and mostly unfunded - which is why we are asking for help.
(Read more below about Eddie, his life, and how your support would help.)
Meet Eddie
Eddie is 8 years old and lives in Cardiff with his family.
He was born extremely prematurely at just 24 weeks, and as a result developed cerebral palsy. Eddie is currently classified as GMFCS Level 3, meaning:
- He can walk short distances using walking sticks and a walker
- For longer distances and day to day life he uses a wheelchair, provided through Whizz Kidz charity
- Movement takes a lot of effort - but Eddie never shies away from it
Most importantly, Eddie is a busy, curious, sociable, and determined child who wants to do exactly what other children his age are doing.
Who Eddie is, beyond the diagnosis
Eddie has ADHD and a huge personality. He:
- Loves being around people and socialising
- Enjoys teasing his little sister (a lot!)
- Loves Mario, FIFA, and playing on his switch console
- Is an avid reader - especially Beast Quest books
- Thrives on routine, movement, and challenge
Keeping active isn’t optional for Eddie - it’s how he learns, grows, and stays mentally well.
Eddie’s passions and activities
Eddie takes part in a wide range of regular activities:
- Football every Sunday with Cardiff City FC Foundation - Inclusive Kicks
- Horse riding every Friday through the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
- Swimming weekly at Maindy Centre through Level Water , where Eddie proudly achieved a 50 metre independent swim and earned a medal in December
He is a pupil at Ysgol Mynydd Bychan, where he is well known and loved, and he is supported by a wider Cardiff community, including through my work at Cardiff University and other family networks.
'As Eddie’s teacher, I couldn’t be more proud of him. Despite the daily challenges he faces, Eddie comes into school with a huge smile on his face, living life to the fullest and never letting anything stop him. He brings so much joy, happiness and fun into our classroom, and his determination and strength shine through in everything he does. He is an inspiration to everyone around him. You truly are a superhero, Eddie!' - Miss Werrett
Therapy and support so far
Eddie has been supported throughout his life by a combination of NHS, charity, and privately funded input, including:
- Brainwave – regular specialist assessments and guidance
- Cerebral Palsy Cymru, who provided intensive targeted therapy when Eddie was under 2 (Eddie has since been one of their “poster children” for early intervention)
- Private physiotherapy every two weeks, which we continue to fund ourselves
- Ongoing engagement with charities such as Whizz Kidz, RDA, Go Kids Go, Swim Whales and Level Water
Eddie works incredibly hard in every session - and SDR is being explored specifically because of his motivation and existing physical engagement.
Watch a short video from recent physio sessions at home.
What is SDR, and why are we considering it?
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a specialist neurosurgical procedure aimed at reducing spasticity caused by cerebral palsy.
For children like Eddie, SDR can:
- Reduce painful and limiting muscle stiffness
- Improve movement efficiency and stamina
- Support long term gains from physiotherapy, swimming, and sport
SDR is not a cure, and results depend heavily on rehabilitation and continued therapy - which Eddie already commits to fully.
Although hundreds of children in the UK are in a similar position, access to SDR via the NHS remains limited and inconsistent, meaning many families must fund treatment themselves despite clinical support and clear potential benefit.
Watch a short video of Eddie's assessment in Brainwave.
What your donation would help fund
While exact costs will only be confirmed once surgery is agreed, very rough estimates for surgery in Bristol are:
- SDR surgery and hospital costs: £25,000-£35,000
- Post surgery intensive physiotherapy (12-24 months): £10,000-£20,000
- Travel, accommodation, equipment, and accessibility costs: £3,000-£5,000
We will provide clear updates and precise breakdowns as soon as surgery plans are confirmed.
All funds raised will be used solely to support Eddie’s surgical and rehabilitation needs.
Our fundraising target
Our goal is to raise £40,000 to cover surgery and the early stages of rehabilitation.
If surgery and costs are higher or lower when confirmed, we will be fully transparent and update this page with clear breakdowns.
Our history of community support
In 2023, Eddie was supported through a successful community fundraiser to help fund specialist mobility equipment - an effort that was also covered by WalesOnline article.
As Eddie grows, his needs change. This next stage isn’t about equipment, but about giving him the best possible chance to keep moving, improving, and participating fully in the life he loves.
Watch recent video from fun at playground. The laughter is contagious.
Learn more about Eddie’s journey
I have documented much of Eddie’s early life, hospital stays, therapy, and first steps on my Tumblr blog , which you are welcome to read.
Other ways you can help
If donating isn’t possible right now, you can still help enormously by:
- Sharing this page
- Organising a small fundraiser (school, work, club, coffee morning, sponsored challenge)
- Supporting Eddie through your community, sports club, or workplace
Every action helps, and we are deeply grateful.
Thank you
Eddie shows up every day. He works hard. He never gives less than his best.
This fundraiser is not about making life easier - it’s about giving Eddie a fair chance to keep up, to improve, and to thrive.
Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and supporting Eddie in any way you can. ❤️
We will share regular updates here as Eddie’s assessments, surgery decisions, and rehabilitation plans progress.
We’re working hard to give Eddie that opportunity, and we’re inviting others to be part of something meaningful. Every contribution - big or small - plays a real part in helping Eddie take steps toward a more active, comfortable future. Thank you for being part of his journey.
Diolch
Eliska and everyone in Eddie’s family