A YOUNGSTER has flown to the United States to have life-changing surgery – with the help of his grandparents in Sheepwash. Over the last year, Anna and Buster Jones have been raising money for their young grandson Jenson Tucker. Jenson was deprived of oxygen at birth, and at six months was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. Shortly after he turned one he was also diagnosed with epilepsy. The couple raised £65,000 so Jenson could travel to St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri and have a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) operation. Jenson could not have the operation through the NHS. The procedure aims to reduce spasms caused by Jenson's condition. It is expected the operation will permanently reduce his spasticity, his sitting and standing postures will improve, his transitions between postures will be easier and faster, and his level of comfort will improve. Most crucially of all, the operation should make Jenson able to watch with a walker or crutches in the future. The money will also be put toward physiotherapy and special equipment to help get him on his feet following the operation. Jenson had his evaluation at St Louis on Monday, and is due to have the operation today (Thursday). Anna Jones said: 'We are completely blown away by people's generosity. Hatherleigh Taxis very kindly picked us up and took us up to Heathrow — and are collecting us — for just the cost of the fuel. 'Local builder Wayne Slee donated money at his 30th birthday party, which covered that fuel bill. We owe a big thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way like this. 'We are very excited and nervous, and we can't believe Jenson is finally getting his treatment after fundraising for the last year or so.'