LONG-SUFFERING Saul Wylie's life-changing surgery has been brought forward to January 2020.

A phone call from America this week fast-tracked Saul's operations and now it's all go as his family prepare him for the trip across the pond.

Seven-year-old Saul from Tarbolton has been confined to a wheelchair his whole life.

He was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy when he was 18 months old, which has since caused extreme muscle tightness in his legs which can often be painful.

He was born 12 weeks premature weighing only 1 lb.

A campaign to raise the funds for Saul's surgery went through the roof after a target of £80,000 was smashed in only 33 weeks, thanks to local donations and beyond.

Saul's mum Karen Wylie said: "They just contacted us a couple of days ago to offer us an earlier time. Initially it was to be August 2020 but they've now brought it forward.

"They told us on the phone they can now offer us a slot in January.

"Saul's delighted. We just have to get him sorted for it now, there's a lot of organising to do. We need to get our accommodation and flights organised now, but we don't have a specific date yet. They've still to get back to us with that then we can book.

"But we also need to get all the professionals on board too for the after care as well so there's still a lot to do."

The Steps for Saul campaign has been a great success and its page has kept locals with Saul's progress.

What a fantastic way to start 2020!

The page announced yesterday: "Big news for this little one. We have received word from America that Saul’s surgery has been brought forward 8 months. His surgery will now take place in January 2020.

"A massive thank you once again to everyone that helped us get to where we are. What a fantastic way to start 2020! We are little nervous but excited for new beginnings for our little chappie. Now time to get organised!"