The mother of a boy with cerebral palsy has described her joy at the generosity shown by the public.

Carole Backler said her adopted seven-year-old son Bruce would have been unable to receive pioneering treatment at The Advance Therapy Centre in East Grinstead, had it not been for The Argus readers donating thousands of pounds.

The advanced neurometer rehabilitation treatment, pioneered by scientists in Russia, aims to bring out the full potential of brain-injured children.

Mrs Backler, 50, of Slinfold Close, Brighton, who has looked after Bruce since he was three months old, said: "I was amazed at the reaction to the story in The Argus. People I didn't even know wrote letters and phoned up, wishing Bruce well."

The Argus Appeal, which helps the needy in Sussex, led the way by donating £1,000 towards the £6,500 treatment and donations have flooded in.

Mrs Backler, who has fostered more than 125 children, said she was touched when pupils at Mowden School in Hove invited Bruce to collect £250.

Mrs Backler said it was hard work but was worth it to see a huge improvement in Bruce's condition since he began the therapy in October.

She has been trained to help him do exercises at home and he has been given oxygen to stimulate blood vessels in his brain.

Mrs Backler said: "When Bruce started the therapy, he could not walk, found it difficult to sit up and had frightening seizures because of his epilepsy.

"But he has gone from having two or three fits a day to none. He used to get quite tired and never got a good night's sleep. Now he sleeps really well on his tummy. He is a different boy.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support."

Anyone who would like to help Bruce can send a cheque, marked for Bruce Backler, to the Advance Centre at 6 Station Road, East Grinstead, RH19 1DJ or call Mrs Backler on 01273 620457.