CILGERRAN youngster Trystan Beard is set to undergo a life-changing operation early in the new year,

Football-mad Trystan suffers from cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia) and his big goal in life is to score for the village football team without the aid of his walking frame.

An appeal -Trystan’s Goal4Glory - was launched earlier this year to raise £40,000 to enable him to undergo specialist surgery which is not available on the NHS.

And now thanks to a huge fundraising effort, that target has been smashed and a date has been set for his operation.

Trystan will undergo surgery in Bristol on January 6, after which he faces intensive physiotherapy as part of his rehabilitation.

Mum Anwen, who works at Cardigan’s Aldi supermarket, has been overwhelmed by the support show to the family.

She said: “This is a dream come true for Trystan so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all your amazing contributions towards Trystan achieving his dream goal.

“It really is so humbling to know that we live in such a fantastic community and the way everyone has pulled together to make this happen has been inspiring to say the least.

“Thank you again. Here's to a new year and brand new chapter for Trystan. You really have changed a little boy's life.”

Among those who have donated to the appeal are the Welsh national football side. The players donated their match fee from the European Championship qualifying game against Azerbaijan to the appeal.

Trystan also had the chance to meet his football heroes, including Real Madrid star Gareth bale and manager Ryan Giggs.

Locals at The Mason’s Arms recently handed over £2,479.61.