A three-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer is undergoing pioneering treatment in America thanks to a campaign by a weekly newspaper which raised an amazing £54,000.

The Penarth Times first highlighted the story about Elodie Wilton in October last year and since then generous readers have donated the funds needed so she can have the operation in St Louis.

Elodie, from Dinas Powys, flew out to America last week to undergo the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy procedure to improve her mobility, which is not available in the UK.

And her parents Cath and Rhys Wilton were full of praise for those who gave money to the campaign by the Newsquest-owned title.

Rhys said: “It’s been amazing. We thought we’d have to get a bank loan to pay for the operation.

“We were desperate, but the generosity of people from Penarth and Dinas Powys, and all over Wales, has been astounding.

“We can only offer our sincere thanks to everyone who has helped. We even had a cheque for £250 from a lady in America who read the story on the Penarth Times website.”

The family were in a race against time to raise £40,000 for the surgery, which needs to be performed when patients are young, before joint deformities take place.

And the extra money raised above this target will help pay for Elodie’s physiotherapy, post-op treatment and for a return visit to St Louis next year.

Her parents also want to start a charity to help others in a similar position.