A team of supporters are planning to run this year’s Brighton Half-Marathon to help little Oliver Poinsignon have an operation which could transform his life.

Family and friends of the five-yearold are trying to raise £52,000 for the youngster to have surgery so he can jump, run and climb like other boys his age.

They have already raised enough to book the operation, but they also need funding for the intensive follow-up physiotherapy treatment and equipment Oliver will need afterwards.

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The Argus is running a campaign urging people across Sussex to help the family hit their target as soon as possible.

The Argus Appeal has pledged £5,000 to the fund.

Money is continuing to come in, with a horse show at Pyecombe last Monday raising about £360.

Oliver’s mother Julie Langmaid said the event was well attended and good fun. Future fundraisers include a family fun lunch in Hove in February when Oliver will be drawing the raffle.

Six people are taking on the Brighton Half-Marathon in February to help boost funds.

Anyone who already has a place and wants to support the campaign can contact Oliver’s mum via the campaign’s Facebook page.

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.

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

In a Facebook message, Mr Poinsignon said: “For me my NewYear resolution is very simple – carry on fighting for my baba till we get there.

“Thank you all so, so, much for your great support and fantastic encouragement.”

SDR surgery is not routinely available on the NHS and, because it is so expensive and still relatively new, it will normally only be given the goahead following an application for funding if all other options have been explored.

Oliver’s surgeons in London believe the sooner he has the operation the better. The original application for NHS funding was rejected.

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