GENEROUS fundraisers have enabled Libby Lee and her family to take a life-changing trip to the States which should leave her able to walk independently.

The eight-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer is due to undergo the first of two operations on her legs in St Louis, Missouri, tomorrow (July 27).

These procedures will mean the Green Street Green Primary pupil will be able to walk unaided at home and with one or two sticks outside.

Her mother Toni, 42, who runs the Greyhound pub in Commonside, Keston, with her husband Dave, 46, says this was only possible because of people giving just under £93,000 to the Walking to Happiness appeal.

She said: “I just hope people know what they mean to us because it is going to change her life.”

Tomorrow’s operation will involve cutting around 60 per cent of the nerves which control her legs.

This will give her permanently relaxed muscles and flat feet but through intensive physiotherapy and aftercare she will learn to walk independently.

Two weeks after this procedure she will have surgery which will lengthen her hamstrings.

Mrs Lee said: “I’m a bit nervous and a bit scared.

“There is a fear about what you’re going to put your child through [but] if I know Libby, the results should be fantastic for her.

“I remember back in January, thinking how are we going to raise this money.

“We were going to remortgage and sell our house.

“Everyone has been wonderful and we have been so lucky.”