�Little Aiden Thomas wants to walk like his twin brother Owen.

And his family, from Elm Park, face a race against time to raise �14,000 for life-changing surgery in the US which will allow him to do this.

Aiden and Owen were hailed “miracle children” after being born 10 weeks premature on January 1, 2010.

Aiden was diagnosed with cerebral palsy last March.

The condition has left him unable to stand up without help and he needs the use of a walker.

Stronger

Aiden’s mum, Vicky Thompson, needs to raise �40,000 by May to take him to St Louis Children’s Hospital, in Missouri, for an operation that will enable him to walk independently.

So far, Vicky has raised an amazing �26,000 since last year, but still needs the remaining cash for the surgery in June.

Vicky, 32, said: “Aiden is doing really well. He is getting stronger every day which is exactly what we want as we get closer to his operation.

“The fundraising is going well and we are so appreciative of everyone who has supported us and donated.

“The treatment – Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy – would involve opening Aiden’s spine and testing the nerves that run down to the legs, finding the bad nerve and cutting it. There’s also 18 to 20 months intensive physio afterwards.

She is in the process of finalising the last pieces of video ready to send off this weekend, so that Aiden can be assessed and put on the waiting list for the operation.

Vicky has organised several fundraising events, including a quiz night at Fairkytes Arts Centre, in Hornchurch, which brought in more than �400.

The next quiz night will be on Friday, March 23, again at Fairkytes, where it is hoped even more will be raised.

Tickets cost �10 per person with a maximum of six people to a team.

A meal and a bottle of wine will also be included for each team taking part. If you would like to attend, please email aidensfootsteps@hotmail.co.uk.

To make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/aidensfootsteps or text DAFF78 �1, �5 or �10 to 70070.

You can also keep up-to-date with the progress at www.aidensfootsteps.co.uk