The father of a nine-year-old boy who is due to have a huge operation next month has called his son ‘his hero’.

Reece Webb, 30, has also thanked the public for their support as his child, Archie, who lives in Gerrards Cross is preparing to have surgery on his legs.

The youngster, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged 18 months, is expected to spend most of December at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The operation will leave Archie ‘weak and needing to learn to walk again’, but it is hoped that the brave nine-year-old will be able to return home on Christmas Eve to spend the holidays with his family.

Additionally, an incredible £11,000 has been raised for the Webb family via a GoFundMe page.

Speaking to the Free Press, Reece said: “The support we have received for Archie has been so overwhelming.

“Seeing all the messages has meant a lot and Archie is such a strong boy.

“He’s very determined as nothing ever gets in his way.

"In his eyes, I’m his hero and for me, without a doubt, he is my hero.

“When I found out I was having a little boy, I honestly couldn’t wait.

“I was buzzing but I was a young man myself as I was only 20.

“I thought I was going to have a little footballer, but when I was told he had cerebral parsley when he was 18 months, those dreams shattered.

“I didn’t know what to expect, especially being young myself.

“But that boy has given me the drive to get up and go to work every morning, to go out there and give it my all.

“He has so much will, and I keep going as I watch how he keeps going.”

Reece has also thanked the West London Boxing Academy for their support during this tough time.

The sports club allowed Archie to be a member whilst also donating £350 to the fundraiser,

At the time of writing, £11,245 has been raised, shattering its fight target of £2,000, and its second goal of £10,000.

He continued: “I owe my life to that gym – they have been such a big part of Archie’s life.

“The things they have taught him like discipline and balance... they have played a part in who my little boy is today.

“I’ll be forever grateful and they have been supportive.”

He continued: “Archie made my dreams come true because when I found out I was going to have a little boy, I wanted to be the manager of the football team he plays for.

“I coach a local football team and he plays in goal.

“I can honestly say that my little boy is my hero, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their support.”

To donate, visit  www.gofundme.com/f/archie-webbs-sdr-recovery.