“Thank you to everyone for all your help and support.”

That’s the message from the grateful mum of Oliver Poinsignon to all those who have helped make his Christmas extra special this year.

As the five-year-old opens his presents tomorrow morning, his parents know they are well on the way to hitting the £52,000 target for the operation that could transform his life.

Thousands of pounds have been pouring in from individuals and businesses across Sussex since The Argus launched its campaign a week ago to help Oliver’s family reach that all-important final figure.

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The operation will give Oliver, five, a chance to run, jump and climb like any other little boy.

Oliver has cerebral palsy and finds it difficult to get around because of extremely tight and painful muscles in his legs, and this will get worse as he gets older and grows.

The operation, called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) will help him walk more easily.

His family had already raised more than £26,000 towards the cost of the operation before The Argus launched its campaign to help.

The paper’s charity, The Argus Appeal, has pledged £5,000 to support the campaign, which will help boost the current total to more than £35,000.

Oliver lives with his mother Julie Langmaid in Ashurst, near Steyning, and his father Jean Marc Poinsignon lives in Brighton.

Ms Langmaid said: “We are just so grateful to everyone for all the help and support they have shown.

“The response has been amazing and will really make such a difference. It will be a great Christmas.”

The fundraising will continue in 2014 until the final total is reached.

The latest business to show its support is Patrick Moorhead Antiques, from Church Street, North Laine, Brighton, who made an online donation of £500.

Any individuals or businesses interested in making a donation or supporting an event, can contact the campaign via Facebook SDR4Oliver or at the website www.justgiving.com /SDR4Oliver.