A FIVE-YEAR-OLD boy set to undergo a life-changing operation in America this week is looking forward to his first game of football.

Earby youngster Robin Carter suffers from spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, and is due to undergo a procedure that could allow him to walk.

The selective dorsal rhizotomy operation and follow-up physiotherapy will cost the family around £45,000, which has been raised through a variety of fundraising events and personal donations.

Robin flew out with his parents, Martin and Natalie, at the weekend and is due to undergo the operation at the children’s hospital in St Louis tomorrow.

Martin said: “It’s just stressful thinking about it all, we’re all wondering, worrying and hoping that it’s all going to be okay.”

And young Robin, an Accrington Stanley fan, is also looking forward to an improved way of life after the operation.

“He’s very active and he wants to have a game of football after the surgery,” said Martin.

“He’s a normal little lad who is always dashing around and stays very busy.

“Robin wants to improve his way of life because he doesn’t like being disabled.”