The dad of a nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy has said he is ‘gutted’ that his son’s major leg operation has been postponed.

Archie Webb, nine, was due to have selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery on December 4, which the procedure expected to leave the youngster ‘weak and needing to learn to walk again’.

Due to the magnitude of the operation, an incredible £11,550 has been raised for the Webb family, who have described the support and donations as ‘overwhelming’.

However, due to several ‘emergency cases’ at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Archie’s operation has been delayed.

No date has been given, but it is expected to take place in January.

This will mean the West Ham United fan and aspiring footballer will be able to spend the festive period at home.

If the operation had gone ahead as planned, Archie would have stayed at the London-based hospital for a significant period.

Archie’s dad, Reece, said: “Unfortunately, Archie’s operation has been cancelled on Wednesday due to emergency cases which have come in over the weekend and now they can’t operate on Archie.

“They have said it should now happen in early January but we are waiting for a confirmed date.

“We are all so gutted but now need to pick ourselves back up and get through the next month or so until it will happen.

“Just wanted to let everyone know and thank everyone for the amazing continued support for our boy.”

In an exclusive chat with the Free Press at the end of November, Reece said that his son is his ‘hero’ and that he will be ‘forever grateful’ for the support he and his family received.

He said: “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.