The family of a six-year-old Cork girl have postponed a potentially life-changing operation for her twice because they have not raised enough money to pay for it.

To see her three-year-old girl take her first proper steps just a few days ago was “like winning the Lotto to us”, said Laura Leathem.

Two girls with cerebral palsy who have each undergone surgery in their bid to walk without aids have jointly won a People of the Year award for their bravery.

A worried mother has told how pop singer Bressie came to the rescue of her faltering campaign to raise funds to pay for life-changing surgery for her eight-year-old son.