HE WAS born after his mum battled her way through a snowstorm to get to hospital.
But now little Oakley Smith has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and desperately needs an operation to allow him to walk.
Oakley, who will turn three in January, has been selected to have the operation in America.
But his family needs to raise £50,000 to pay for the treatment and travel costs to get there.
Mum Angela Mahon and dad Terry Smith only have until July next year – when the surgery will take place – to get the money.
Angela, 33, of Highwood Lawn, Leigh Park, said: ‘Oakley is in a lot of pain and can only walk a few steps.
‘He can’t stand on his legs or even sit with them straight out – he has to sit on his knees.
‘This operation will make a huge difference to him which is why we know we have to get it.
‘He would be able to move more freely and eventually he would be able to walk on his own, meaning he would have a much better quality of life.’
In a bid to raise the cash, Angela and Terry have organised a number of fundraising events, including selling donated shoes at car boot sales.
They have raised around £3,000 already but they know they still have a long way to go.
To boost funds the family will take part in a sponsored 5k Santa walk in London with Oakley’s twin brother Mykey and siblings Kelsey, 14, and Bailey, 11.
A zumbathon in Oakley’s aid took place on Saturday, at the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth, which raised £224 and was organised by professional dancer Ellesha Newton.
There will be a Valentine’s Ball in the Hilton Hotel, Portsmouth, on February 16 next year.
Angela added: ‘I’m so grateful to all the people that turned up to the Zumbathon and it was a great day.
We know we have to do all we can to make sure we get this money for Oakley.
‘It’s heartbreaking to see all the things that Mykey can do that Oakley can’t.
‘The operation would give him so much more independence and would mean he could do normal things that other people take for granted.’
Oakley and Mykey were born after Angela ran through snow to get to hospital in 2010.
She was in labour and being driven to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, when they got stuck in traffic jam brought on by the treacherous weather.
In just her bedclothes, dressing gown and slippers she walked the final 400 yards uphill to reach the hospital.
To donate to Oakley’s walking fund, see justgiving.com/terry-smith3.
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