A disabled boy from the Black Country is more than a third of the way to reaching the £40,000 he needs for an operation to help him walk, just one week after his appeal was launched.

After reading about little Kian Collins in the Express & Star, West Bromwich businessman Chris Kelly pledged £10,000 to the appeal. The family from Oldbury has also raised a further £5,000 in just one week. Kian, aged six, suffers from cerebral palsy and has never been able to walk.

An operation he needs is not available in the UK and can only be done in America at a cost of £40,000.

The NHS procedure carries a risk of paralysis but in Missouri doctors can use an electrolysis based treatment to isolate the nerve that does not work.

Kian’s mother Melissa Lowe, aged 26, of Oak Road, said: “We have received a £250 cheque from a company in Cannock and altogether we have raised £5,000 since we started fundraising last week.

“One person even posted £10 to Kian Collins of Oak Road after reading it in the Express & Star.

“Chris Kelly has offered to help as well and we are extremely grateful.”

Funds have also been raised at Kian’s uncle Darren’s employers Faze Two in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

Mr Kelly, who runs West Bromwich truck dealership Keltruck, has not only pledged the money but has started using his business contacts in America to research hospitals where Kian will get the best possible care.

He said: “In view of the billions of pounds of investment in the NHS what a shame it is that we cannot offer the safer surgery that is available in the US to Kian. Because we have a strong affinity with the area we want to help him.”

Anyone who is able to offer support is asked to call Melissa on 07850 156445.