Doncaster mum's plea as son set to undergo life-changing cerebral palsy surgery

Abigail Brough is raising funds to support her son Tommy and their family during a really important time in his life.

Tommy, who has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, is set to undergo SDR – Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy - surgery in Leeds in September this year, a life-changing procedure that they hope will significantly improve his mobility and independence.

Tommy's cerebral palsy makes walking long distances very difficult and he often relies on his wheelchair to get around.

The surgery requires them to temporarily relocate to Leeds for at least three weeks so Abi can be by Tommy's side through his operation and the intense physiotherapy that will follow, with him needing up to a year of ongoing physiotherapy continuing back home in Doncaster afterwards.

She said: “I am a mum of five – and this situation brings a number of challenges.

"The hospital accommodation is only suitable for three people, meaning I need to find alternative housing nearby for our family during those weeks.

"On top of that, my other four children will need to travel back and forth to maintain their school routines as much as possible.

“Keeping life stable for them is incredibly important, especially for Tommy’s brother Jacob, who has autism and finds change particularly difficult.

"Disrupting his routine or taking him out of school for this period would have a significant impact on him.

“While I’m grateful to have supportive family and friends, they are unable to take on full-time care or cover the ongoing travel and accommodation costs this situation brings.

"The financial strain of housing, food, and transport for our family during this time is overwhelming.

“I’m reaching out for help to ease this burden so I can focus on what matters most—supporting Tommy through his surgery and recovery, while also caring for his siblings and keeping their lives as stable as possible.

“Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. Your support will go directly towards accommodation, travel, food, and helping our family get through this challenging but hopeful time.

You can donate to the fundraiser here – https://www.gofundme.com/f/tommy-during-his-surgery