An appeal to help a three-year-old boy walk unaided for the first time has reached a major milestone.

A total of �25,000 has been collected in just over 11 weeks for the Owen's Wish2Walk campaign, and after another busy weekend of fundraising events, the drive to achieve their �50,000 goal could soon hit �30,000.

Since highlighting Carlton Colville youngster Owen Baldry's plight on January 20 – a day before his third birthday – and the appeal's first event on January 28, people have rallied round in supporting the campaign.

After another successful weekend of fundraising, more than �25,000 has now been collected by Owen's parents, Carl and Sacha Baldry, of Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft.

They set up the appeal to enable Owen to travel to America for what could be a life-changing operation in St Louis in October.

The family hope the surgery will allow their son – who has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy – to realise his dream of walking, running around and playing with his friends.

Mr and Mrs Baldry said they remained thrilled by the support shown by locals, with money coming in from across Suffolk and Norfolk –as well as funds being donated nationally and internationally. And among those who have made a donation is singer Boy George.

The Baldrys' busy weekend of fundraising started in Norwich last Friday with an Easter breakfast morning at an old people's home, which hosted a raffle, tombola and other games.

A car boot sale was held in Carlton Colville on Saturday, and on Sunday there was an Easter egg hunt and bonnet competition. And yesterday, funds were raised at the Pakefield street sale.

Mrs Baldry said: 'We are continuously being shocked by people's generosity and kindness. I never thought we would get this far so quick – but we couldn't have done this on our own. I cannot thank people enough, you are making our dreams come true,' she added.

To help Owen's Wish2Walk Appeal contact Mr Baldry on 07916 859 358. To donate online, visit www.justgiving.com/owenswish2walk

mark.boggis@archant.co.uk