31172-71THE father of four-year-old Brandon Humphries has swapped his job in Swindon for a security role in Iraq to earn money to help his son walk.

Tony Humphries, 42, of The Prinnels, in West Swindon, has put his life on the line to raise cash for Brandon, who has cerebral palsy.

Brandon's mum Tracey, 38, said the job was better paid and would help finance Brandon's vital physio treatment.

She said: "He's in and out of Baghdad, which does bring in a bit more money. It won't be forever and while he's away I have constant support from my family and neighbours."

Brandon has already managed a few steps after receiving treatment in Hungary.

He flew out for the intensive course of therapy at the world renowned Peto Institute in April after Swindon people took him to their hearts and raised more than £5,000 for an appeal set up by Tracey and Tony in March.

Now, after initially being told he could not be helped in England, Brandon's family has learnt he can have an operation at the Great Western Hospital.

Tracey said: "I am so relieved. I had thought we would have to travel abroad again to have the operation to lengthen his tendons as the hospital here said they could not help until he was seven.

"But the orthopaedic consultant looked at him again and thought he had deteriorated so decided to operate after all.

"This turnaround is great news. We have received a letter confirming that the procedure will go ahead in six to 12 months."

The youngster's parents launched Brandon's Best Foot Forward appeal in March to raise cash for his medical trips abroad.

During his recent trip, Brandon underwent an intensive form of physiotherapy to gain greater control of his legs. The operation he faces in the next few months will help him further.

The institute has told Tracey that he is unlikely to manage more than his record of 14 strides unless tendons in his Achilles heels are lengthened and his curled-up feet are straightened.

Tracey said: "He will need a lot of aftercare which we won't be able to get here, so we might have to fly out to Hungary again after the operation. But I have heard that you can pay for the physio to come over to England, which we are considering at the moment."

The Humphries have money left from previous fundraising efforts but still need £3,000 to pay for Brandon's physio treatment.

On Saturday, Brandon's fans will be out in support of Best Foot Forward in a sponsored walk around Shaw Forest Country Park, from 10am to noon.

Call 01793 877301 for details.

Alex Emery