THE enigmatic toddler whose parents smashed a £45,000 fund raising target is due to return from American today, Friday, February 10.
Last summer Dan and Amy Strudwick launched the SDR4SEB campaign to raise money for an operation for their three-year-old son Seb.
After a premature birth Seb was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and was set for a life in a wheel chair.
But determined to give their son an independent life the couple found surgeons in America who could perform an operation privately to free ligaments stiffened by his condition.
Now three weeks after the SDR operation they have high hopes for his future.
Speaking from America Dan said: “The progress that Seb has made since the operation is amazing, he can now get his feet flat to the floor while walking.
“Seb is now walking with two sticks instead of using a walker, this is the last step before he can walk independently.
“We still have a long way to go but with lots of physio and time Seb should be able to lead a normal life.”
Doctors have told the couple they are pleased with Seb’s progress and that given time he will be able to walk un-aided and may even be able to run.
Dan, who works for Mercedes AMG in Brackley added: “We still can’t quite believe how this operation can change some ones life so dramatically.
“And none of it would have been possible with out the generosity of everyone who helped us to get to America.”
Fund raising included garden parties, a poker tournament, a go-kart grand prix, an online auction of F1 memorabilia which raised £17,000, and a sponsored bike ride which visited the regions football clubs.
Cyclist Michael Hurst said a great deal of hardwork had gone into the campaign and added: “It’s great the operation has finally happened, and it’s gone so quickly. It started with the F1 weekend last summer and now they’re flying back already.”
The SDR4SEB campaign gathered massive support throughout south Northants finally raising £60,000.