A GROUND-BREAKING cerebral palsy campaigner has received a £1,000 cash boost from a leading housebuilder in her bid to walk.

Laura Ramsden, of Bowker Street, is continuing her long rehabilitation process after becoming one of the oldest people in the UK to receive specialist spine surgery to help her take her first steps as an adult in October 2014.

The 36-year-old's charity, Laura's Wish, has now secured the backing of Persimmon Homes North West under its Community Champions Scheme, in which charities and groups can secure funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves.

Laura said: "The specialist SDR surgery was successful, but, in order to achieve the full benefits, requires a three and a half year rehabilitation programme.

“I received no post-op physio from the NHS and have had to self-fund my own treatment under the fundraising name Laura’s Wish.

“I know the therapy works and I have now taken my first ever steps as an adult and am still improving – with continued therapy I may even walk unaided.

“This money means so much, more than I can actually put into words, and will make a great difference in changing my life and my future for the better.”

To date, Laura’s Wish has raised more than £11,000 and ,as well as enabling Laura to continue her therapy, has also helped fund equipment for other disabled people.

Dave Hodgson, sales director at Persimmon Homes North West, added: “We are delighted to announce that Laura’s Wish is our latest Community Champion.

“We are confident that our donation will enable the charity to continue its superb work making such a difference to not just Laura’s life, but the lives of many other disabled people.

“Persimmon Homes North West has had a fantastic response to its Community Champions scheme and I would like to take this opportunity to stress that if applicants were unsuccessful last month, they can visit the Persimmon Homes website and try again.”

To nominate a charity, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity