Largs youngster Alara Kavak could walk independently within three years after successful surgery in the US.

More than £130,000 was raised to send the four-year-old to the States for surgery on her spine, in the hope it would help her walk unaided for the first time.

The Largs community rallied round Alara, who was born premature and developed Cerebral Palsy, with concerts, haircuts and raffles to reach the amount needed for the surgery.  

Mum Fiona reveals doctors hope the youngster will be able to walk by herself within years as she starts physiotherapy.

She said: “The two hospitals were amazing, as were the medical care team involved, and both surgeries went really well.

“Dr TS Park, who carried out Alara’s surgery, is like a god in my eyes for saying yes to her application all those months ago.

“He believes Alara has the potential to be an independent walker and hopes we will see independent steps within three years.

“I’ve said it a million times, and I will say it a million more, we have some hope and that is all we need.

“We have a long road of physio ahead but what I know for sure is we will never give up helping Alara to reach her full potential.”

Fiona reveals the family didn’t know walking was even a possibility for Alara at first, with the first goal to lessen the pain she faced every day.

She explained: “When we first applied to America it was actually about so much more than walking, as we never thought that was potentially ever on the cards for Alara.

“So it was amazing to hear when we reached out to America that Alara has the potential to take steps and we will hold onto that hope.

“For us it was to improve Alara’s quality of life and to reduce the stiffness as she has taken a muscle relaxer for two years with little to no effect.

“Alara had deteriorated severely over the past two years, and it’s so hard to watch your daughter lose physical skills she had already gained.”

Fiona has praised the Largs community for their ongoing support, and admits Alara having her surgery feels “surreal” after months of fundraising.

She added: “The past few months have been so full on with fundraising and hospital and now that’s done it just feels different.

“It still feels slightly surreal that Alara’s had her surgery, even out in America at times I couldn’t believe we were there.

“My only regret is not getting out to America when Alara was two years old as I had hoped, but sadly with covid it all became impossible.

“We are so incredibly thankful Alara has finally had her surgery and we are excited for the future.

“Alara would not have received this life changing surgery without your love and support and we thank every single one of you more than you will ever know.”