LITTLE Leonie Hadley-Wilkinson hasn't had the easiest start in life.

Born ten weeks early, the tot, now five, spent over three months in hospital and was even nicknamed ‘chilli bean’ because she was so small.

After she left hospital, her parents raised concerns about her development but were told it was because of her prematurity.

When her first year check-up came around, they raised concerns again and when a hip X-ray came back clear, the next step was an MRI scan under general anaesthetic.

It turned out to be a traumatic experience for Leonie, as she stopped breathing twice and had to be revived.

But the results of the scan were conclusive - Leonie had cerebral palsy. A further blow came one year later, when she was diagnosed with curvature of the spine.

Dad Jason Wilkinson, 46, of Bolton Hall Road, Bolton Woods, described the news as “devastating”.

“It’s still devastating now,” he said.

She has to undergo physiotherapy twice a week and also has to have botox injections as her limbs stiffen up.

And while Leonie, who is described as “bright,funny and full of love” is trying hard to stand and walk, she needs specialist equipment to do so.

Mr Wilkinson said: “To say she has got cerebral palsy and is not mobile, it does not phase her whatsoever, but she does get frustrated.”

Leonie, who lives in Lincolnshire with her mum Vicky Hadley, has now seen a paediatric neurosurgeon at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, about having a selective dorsal rhizotomy operation.

The aim of the procedure is to reduce tight and stiff muscle tone, improve function and mobility, increase independence as well as increase the range of motion and improve positioning.

Although there’s no guarantee the operation, which is described as being “potentially life-changing” will make her walk, it may help free her limbs and ease her pain.

But the surgery - plus the intensive aftercare Leonie will require - comes with a hefty £35,000 price tag and is not funded by the NHS.

Now it’s hoped people will rally around and help make Leonie’s operation dream a reality.

Mr Wilkinson is planning on completing a 100-mile sponsored walk as part of the fundraising challenge and a fundraising page has also been set up.

Visit www.gofundme.com/leonie039s-opperation-hope or www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leonie-hadley-wilkinson.