A LITTLE boy will now be able to walk thanks to the kind donation of £45,000 from Billericay Town Football Club’s owner.

Harry Parker, seven, was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy which meant he faced life in a wheelchair, unless his family could raise £75,000 for a private operation.

The family was working tirelessly to raise money when they came to the attention of Glenn Tamplin, who took over the non-league club in December last year.

Mr Tamplin said: “I attended a local football game at Waltham Abbey and Harry was leading the teams out in his wheelchair.

“They were also collecting money so I asked someone who was collecting what Harry’s condition was.

“They told me they were raising £75,000 for the operation.

“I said I would give a silent donation of £5,000.

“It wasn’t kept a secret though and the family came over crying and thanking me.”

From there, Glenn was determined to help the youngster, asking his friends and contacts to donate until they got the total to £15,000.

Glenn added: “His family really were working tirelessly to raise the money.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about them and one day I rang them from Dubai where I was on holiday and said I would give them the rest of the money - £45,000.

“They were very, very grateful.”

Harry, from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was able to undergo the life-changing selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery on April 28 at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The football mad youngster is already able to take a few steps by himself - something he had been dreaming of being able to do.

Harry said: “I am really glad I was able to have the operation and I am looking forward to being able to play football with my friends and dad.”

His dad, Glen, added: “He is doing really well and is getting stronger every day.

“He is really progressing and is now able to do a few steps by himself.

“That is something we have always wanted him to be able to do.

“It is unbelievable that Glenn gave us this donation.

“It was a big weight off our minds.

“We thought the £5,000 was a massive donation and really generous but what he afterwards was even more so.”

Harry, Glen, mum Danielle and sister Mia, ten, travel down to see Billericay Town Football Club’s games and say they are always well treated by the club.

Harry can walk with a frame and it is hoped that if he continues his physiotherapy he will be able to walk unaided in six months.

Mr Tamplin has said that he now hopes to help more local families with their fundraising targets. A stand has also been named after Harry at Billericay Town’s stadium.