A teenager from Sutton is to undergo life-changing surgery in America, which could allow her to walk independently for the first time after a Herculean fundraising effort.

Dana Johnston has Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, which affects her ability to walk. The 13-year old who uses tripod sticks to walk at home, has to use a wheelchair for outside and school.

Five months ago, Dana and her family launched a campaign to fund the trip to the States with a target of £60,000.

A range of fundraising events, including a family fun day at the St Nicholas Centre and a 1950s themed dinner and dance, helped raise £61,000.

On August 4, she will undergo a procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). The operation involves cutting the overactive nerves in her spinal cord which lead to her legs, and causes the spasticity.

Dana’s mum Sera, of Colburn Way, Sutton, said: “She’s excited but a bit apprehensive. It will be life changing for her and it has a 100 percent success rate of permanently reducing a patient’s spasticity.

“It’s a long road yet, and there is a lot of hard work still to come, but we have a top neuro-surgeon who has been working for 28 years so we are hopeful.”

The family even received a donation from Sir Richard Branson.

Her mother Sera said: "We wrote to him after we met him on a flight to New York many years ago.

"He might have remembered us because, as well as the donation, he provided two flights to America.

“I have to say thankyou to everyone who has been involved, who gave up their time or helped with the events."

She added: "Any money that is not needed by Dana will go to other children.”

To follow Dana's progress on her blog and for more information, visit danaswalktothestars.org.uk.