James' family buoyed by local support for US surgery goal

FUNDRAISER: James Reid has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and loves to groove to tunes by Cat Stevens, Bob Marley and Mumford and Sons. PHOTO/RUTH KEBER

It's a small feat but James Reid's family has been able to raise almost $10,000 of the $150,000 needed to get their son the surgery he needs.

James has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Most people with the condition cannot walk and their speech is profoundly affected. Their limbs can be extremely stiff, yet their neck is floppy. Seizures are common.

James' parents want to take their son to America for surgery to help relieve the spasticity or high tone in his muscles.

Sonja Reid said the family would continue to campaign through the holidays and new year.

"Don (James' father) is going to swim from Motiti to Maketu, it's 12.7km swim, on January 31."

He has done the swim twice, 10 years ago after a friend died and about 20 years ago.

Mrs Reid has been blown away by the support from the local community.

"It's very touching and emotional. I'm lost for words what mates and mates of mates are doing for us. It's very cool, hopefully other parents out there who want to do the same thing for their children know they can hearing about our story. We will do anything we can to help James."

Mrs Reid said the operation could not come soon enough.

"The sooner the better. Obviously with the growth spurts we need to try and get him the procedures as soon a possible."

The family has raised $8760 so far. To help get James to America please head to: givealittle.co.nz/cause/TeamJames