A CAMPAIGN to raise £50,000 for a live-changing operation for a Sleaford youngster is gathering pace with a host of fundraising activities planned.

Rauceby Primary School pupil Joel James, 10, hopes to travel to America in July for the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery which will enable him to walk and run unaided.

At the moment he faces a daily struggle with even the simplest tasks such as putting his socks on or climbing the stairs after being born with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy - a condition which means the part of his brain that sends the messages to his legs to tell them how to work is damaged.

But, for the operation to happen his family has to raise the £50,000 needed to fund the travel, operation and rehabilitation.

After launching an appeal in the Target last week £800 has already been raised toward this total, but there is still a long way to go.

Joel's mum Karen said: "Things are moving forward at a pace now. There is lots planned for February and March onwards.

"We have been overwhelmed by the responses we are receiving and long may it continue. We have had some lovely donations from Target readers and some have also joined our Facebook page.

"In the last few weeks we have raised close to £800 from Joel's Just Giving page, personal donations and small fund raising events."

Two of Joel's school friends, Daniel and Matthew Pepper, raised £112 from a sponsored swim and Heckington Players held a raffle and collection during their Friday night panto performance.

There are also plans for several fundraising events including a family run, skydive, head shave, quiz and fire walk - see panel for more information.

To follow Joel or make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/joelsquest search for Joel's Quest on Facebook, or visit www.joelsquest.co.uk

Diary of fundraising events so far:

Thursday, February 23: Curry night at the Agra, Sleaford, at 7.30pm. Set menu at £18 per person, auction and raffle. The owner will donate 25 per cent of the profits from the evening. Donations of auction prizes are still being sought. To book a ticket call 01529 303963 or 07900 916763.

Sunday, February 26: Quiz night at the Barge and Bottle, Sleaford, at 7.30pm. Teams of four are £10.

Friday, March 2: Band night, head shave and waxing at the Barge and Bottle at 8pm. Local bands will be appearing. There will a raffle.

Sunday, March 25: Fire walking at the George Hotel, Leadenham, at 6pm. Volunteers are still being sought. For information contact Alison on 07884 272288.

April: Where's Wally Family Fun Run in Sleaford. Full details to be confirmed at a later date.

April: Escape back to Essex. Joel's Mum Karen and her school friend Natasha are going to be sporting jail outfits as they leave Sleaford and make their way back to Harlow, Essex where they are originally from. They will have to 'blag' their way back using any form of transport they can. Updates on their progress will be posted on Facebook.

May: Tandem Skydive. Seven volunteers including Joel's brother will 'jump for joel'. For details contact Karen on 07900 916763.

June: Personal trainer Julie Spencer has challenged herself to run 13 miles a day for 13 days and has challenged Joel's mum to accompany her on her bike.

To host a fundraiser for Joel, contact his mum Karen on 07900 916763.