THE family of an eight-year-old who has undergone surgery after a successful fundraising campaign has already began to notice 'little differences' after undergoing surgery.

Samuel Hosker, from Blackburn, suffers from cerebral palsy and had surgery in Liverpool at the end of last month after a fundraising campaign collected more than £60,000 to fund the surgery.

The spinal dorsal rhizotomy operation, not available on the NHS, aims to prevent Samuel becoming wheelchair bound and to aid his movement with his frame.

The St Peter’s RC Primary School is currently still at Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool undergoing intense physiotherapy two times a day.

His family said he has been in great spirits since the operation as he continues recovery ahead of planning to come home on Friday, October 13.

His mum Michelle Hosker said: "It's a really slow process, but we're already starting to see little things.

"He's able to move around more fluently, and it's a lot easier to put his shoes on, it used to be a real task.

"He's been brilliant, he's always been smiling.

"He is doing really well and has not been moaning at all.

"I think he's the only child I've seen who has enjoyed being in hospital."

The surgery reduced the tightness in Samuel's legs and he is now undergoing the start of two years of intensive physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles in his legs.

His mother said the exercises involve 'retraining his legs' following the surgery.

He currently takes part in standing exercises and this week is set to start hydro exercises in the pool and using specialised gym equipment.

The family started a fundraising campaign in March this year to raise £30,000 for the life-saving surgery and said they can not believe they have reached this point.

Mrs Hosker said: "Sometimes we sit back and think I cannot believe that this has been done in such a short space of time.

"It's a bit weird to think this has all happened.

"We just can't thank everyone enough, it's amazing we're here."

Mrs Hosker said Samuel has been had many visitors and also praised the staff in the hospital who have been helping him.

The 39-year-old said: "All the staff on the ward and the nurses have been absolutely fantastic with him.

"Our family and friends have been amazing, Samuel has had so many visitors.

"I think everyone who has helped us with the fundraising has come along to see him."

Staff at the hospital have also arranged several fun and artistic exercises for him to take part in during his stay in hospital.

Prior to his surgery Samuel was also given the chance to go to a holiday of a lifetime to Graceland in America, the home of his hero Elvis Presley.