A Whitchurch pub is set to host a Boxing Day lunch which will help towards a life-changing operation for a brave young hero from the town.

Zac Harris, nine, has cerebral palsy and his family have been working hard to raise £40,000 for a special Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) operation to help improve his mobility.

Now, the Wheatsheaf pub in Green End, Whitchurch, is hosting the special lunch to help the Zac’s Miracle appeal reach its final target, with landlord David Wiles delighted to play a part.

“Since beginning fundraising just two years ago, and with the help of the people of Whitchurch, Zac’s family have almost managed to reach their target of £40,000,” he said.

“This is a huge achievement and we are extremely pleased to be able to help them over the final hurdle by hosting a great day at The Wheatsheaf on Boxing Day.

“Please buy a ticket, come along and enjoy a fantastic dinner and have a chat with Zac.”

Tickets cost just £40, and all the staff at the pub are giving their time for free so that all the proceeds go to help Zac who is a pupil at Whitchurch Junior School.

Guests have been invited to arrive from 11.30am with free drinks on the bar and a complimentary glass of wine or two with dinner, which will be served at midday.

Zac’s mum Charlene said: “This is the last fundraiser to get us to target.

“It is fantastic that all the staff at the Wheatsheaf are getting involved in our charity and doing their upmost to make it a fantastic day for all.

“I can’t thank them enough. Zac has cerebral palsy and walking is a real struggle for him. Although Zac attends a mainstream school, he uses a K-walker to help him get around and do simple things that most of us take for granted.

“Zac is an incredibly upbeat and happy boy, but this frustrates him and he longs to play football and run around with the other children at school.

“The reality is that Zac has very stiff hips, knees and ankles, so walking can be very painful and, as he gets older, the likelihood is this will only get worse and eventually he will need to use a wheelchair.”

The SDR operation is designed to loosen his hips, knees and ankles so that, following an intensive two-year physio programme and lots of hard work, he will eventually be able to walk pain free and with little assistance.

Charlene added: “Sadly, this operation is not available on the NHS so we have been aiming to raise the £40,000 needed to fund Zac’s operation.”

To book your ticket for the lunch at The Wheatsheaf, please call the pub on 01948 666653 or pop in to book for what will be a great occasion.