A RADCLIFFE woman’s dream of dancing with her grandfather at her 30th birthday party could become a reality thanks to a rare life-changing surgery.

Lauren Rawlinson, of Mayfair Avenue, suffers from cerebral palsy but could soon achieve her lifelong ambition of getting on her feet after being put forward for a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), which is usually only offered to children.

She is hoping to follow in the footsteps of friend Laura Ramsden, who last year became one of the oldest people in the UK to have the operation that reduces tight muscle tone, known as spasticity, by cutting nerves.

After doctors at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool agreed to help Lauren, she and her family now face the challenge of raising £21,000 to pay for the series of surgeries she needs.

The 26-year-old said: “It’s very difficult for me to move and I have always dreamed of getting on my feet and being mobile.

“If I’m able to have the operations I need, then the spasticity would go away and I would probably be able to get on my feet and walk.

“My dream is to dance at my 30th birthday party with my grandad. I’m 26 now so hopefully that will give me enough time to make that dream come true.”

It is hoped that the operation can take place within the next two years, and the race is now on to raise the money needed, with raffles and a variety of other fundraisers planned.

“I need operations on my hips, my feet, and to have my tendons cut,” said Lauren.

“We’re doing everything that we possibly can to get the money together.”

She was told about the surgery last year when Laura, who knew Lauren as a child, got back in touch with her.

The 34-year-old had her operation in October and has been an inspiration for Lauren.

Lauren said: “Laura doesn’t understand what she means to me – she has had a massive impact on my life.

"Without her I would not even know about the surgery. She has inspired me to get on and try to do the same as her.”

To follow Lauren’s progress and get involved in fundraising: visit facebook.com/laurensdaretodream