A SCHOOLBOY who travelled to the US for life-changing surgery is due to fly home tomorrow, with medics hopeful his operation will be a lasting success.

Five-year-old Thomas Brennan’s spastic diplegic cerebral palsy left him in constant pain and often unable to walk more than a few steps at a time.

Desperate to help, his mother, Jodie Bussey, decided to send him to the US for pioneering surgery, which involves cutting into the spine and severing the nerve that was causing the spasticity in his legs.

Following a massive outpouring of public support, more than £40,000 was raised for Thomas’ treatment in only six months.

The youngster, from Ushaw Moor, County Durham, who calls his condition – officially known as Little’s Disease – his “crazy legs”, underwent the surgery in St Louis’ Children’s Hospital, Missouri, on Tuesday, August 14.

He is now able to walk freely without help or equipment, though he remains nervous about doing so.

Thomas, his mother, his sister, Eve, and his grandfather, John Nelson, are expected to fly home tomorrow, arriving late tomorrow night.

From St Louis, Miss Bussey told The Northern Echo: “We are all good, but very homesick. It’s been a physical and emotional journey, but one so worthwhile and I would do it all again in a heartbeat for Thomas, rrigght.

“Me and John just feel drained.

We’re so looking forward to returning to our loved ones and the children cannot wait.

“I am very scared to leave the amazing help and support the medics have given us, but we know we are returning to better love and support at home and Thomas’ physio is a lovely lady, always ready to help as much as she can.”

Once home, Thomas faces up to six physiotherapy sessions a week for several months, followed by a gradual reduction in his treatment.

It is expected he will have to return to the US for a checkup in a year’s time.

Fundraising continues as more money is needed to pay for Thomas’ ongoing care, only part of which will be NHS-funded. To donate, visit justgiving.com/help-thomasreach- the-moon-and-stars.