THE family of a Parkstone youngster set for a life-changing operation say they will use their experience to help others.

A last-minute donation from the FJB Collection hotel group is expected to ensure that six-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Skye Cowan will be able to be given an operation in America this October.

The family will receive the money on Tuesday – a day later than their set deadline – which will see them meet their target for the operation.

Dad Steve said charity Tree of Hope have given the family an extra day to raise the remaining funds.

“This one last donation will mean we can get the operation booked straight away,” he said.

“But I’ve learnt you can’t count on anything until it’s in the bank, which is why we’re not celebrating yet, although we’re extremely grateful for this fantastic donation.”

He said the experience of raising the money for his daughter, who will be able to play like other children her age after the operation, has been an “emotional rollercoaster”.

“Everything is beyond your control,” he said.

“It’s incredibly draining. You’ve got euphoric highs and then you get dropped down like a bomb. But it’s really taught me how wonderful people can be, and the kindness we have encountered is unbelievable.”

The family are already planning to help other families going through similar experiences.

Steve said: “I want to be able to pass on the information we have so others don’t have to go through the heartache alone.

“I want to make sure that we are there for others in the future. Even when you’re faced with impossible odds, there is always hope.”