All eight-year-old Kitty-Boo Cox wants to do is dance in high heels like her big sister.

The Chippenham girl was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one and has never walked unaided.

But she may take her first independent steps next week, after a life-changing operation at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Tyesterday was her last day at Charter School in Chippen-ham before the surgery on Monday and she has already chosen her plaster casts, in zebra print like the pattern of her favourite pencil case.

Kitty said: “I’m very nervous. I’m most looking forward to keeping up with my friends. They’re really excited for me.

“My class is going canoeing at Braeside in Devizes in July and I’m really hoping I can go with them.”

Bramley Horse and Carriage Hire in Devizes helped to take Kitty’s mind off the operation by giving her and sister Charlotte, ten, a fairytale ride through Chippenham.

“That was really fun. I got to wear a princess dress and tiara that mummy bought,” said Kitty. “My favourite part was getting a horseshoe.”

Kitty’s Wish to Walk fund, which started last October, has now surpassed £10,600.

Mother Claire Winks, of Barrow Green, said: “Thank you to every one of you that has so kindly donated to help my daughter hopefully put on her dancing shoes.

“It’s all very real now, it’s all systems go.”

The amount of physiotherapy equipment Kitty will need has outgrown the family’s dining room, so housing association GreenSquare is allowing Miss Winks to transform an old outhouse at their home in Barrow Green.

Several people answered her appeal, including a carpenter and a carpet layer. The project manager is Shaun Goverd, who is involved in the BBC show DIY SOS and runs SJG Construction in Chippenham. All that is holding up the project is a lack of double glazed doors.

Miss Winks said: “They don’t have to be brand new. I’m completely overwhelmed by all the help, but we can’t do anything until we have doors.”

Offers of help can me made on 07944 887933 or via Kitty’s Wish to Walk Facebook page.

Hammertime Promotions is staging a kickboxing night on May 30 at Sheldon School, in aid of Kitty’s fund. Tickets, at £25 and £45, on 07557 870848 or malmesburymartialartsacademy @gmail.com. Add to the fund at www.justgiving.com/letsgetkitty walking/