LITTLE Holly McLeod, who captured the hearts of hundreds of local people, will travel to the US for her life-changing treatment six months earlier than previously thought.

Saltcoats youngster Holly, six, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. It is believed that SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy) treatment could help her to walk.

Her parents had requested an early appointment for the month of May but weren’t guaranteed to get this and were pencilled in to travel across the pond in November of this year.

Holly’s mum Nicola and dad James had decided that May would be the best month to travel as it would mean that Holly would have to miss less school and could recover during the summer holidays.

And they got their wish last week after the received an email to say there had been a cancellation.

Mum Nicola explained, she said: “We got an email the night after Holly’s sponsored bounce at St Anthony’s.

“Holly was on the surgery list for November, however we had requested any cancellations for surgery from May onwards.

“We were surprised to actually get the email of the offer in May as we didn’t expect it.

“We are delighted, as are our family. It means less disruption to school for Holly and then she will have the summer to recuperate and build up her strength, and be ready to start P3 with the rest of her friends.”

The journey has already began for the family as they ensure Holly is ready to go to St Louis for SDR (Selective dorsal rhizotomy) treatment which will help her to walk.

Nicola added that the excitement had already kicked in for Holly and her younger brother Daniel.

She added: “New passports are on their way, flights have been booked and accommodation is confirmed.

“The kids are very excited to be going on ‘the big aeroplane’.

“Holly is already talking about packing her suitcase and deciding which toys she is taking!

“She did say she would miss everyone so much, as we are away for four weeks.”

In order to get the best out of the treatment, Holly has to be as strong as possible and the family are doing everything they can to make sure it will be as successful as possible. 

Nicola told the Herald: “We have now got to concentrate on getting Holly as strong as we can before surgery.

“She will continue with her race runners and her horse riding, but we have recently started personal training sessions with John and Michelle Welsh at Maximum Potential twice a week.

“They have been fantastic with Holly, she is their youngest member, and they are very keen to be part of Holly’s journey pre and post surgery.

“We will also attend Walk this Way UK in Perth in April for one week.

“They are a specialist therapy centre for people with cerebral palsy. We were there last year in October and Holly done really well.

“They have worked alongside Dr Park and have worked with many children pre and post SDR, so are very familiar of what is required.”

The family continue to be touched by the support of the local community.

They said: “We have had so many kind messages of support from an amazing number of people near and far.

“Knowing that so many people are following Holly’s journey and are hoping for the best for her is overwhelming and we are truly grateful to everyone. It’s fantastic to be part of such a caring and generous community.

“We will always remember this and we are sure Holly will feel the same when she is a little older and understands the enormity of it all.”