A LITTLE boy who had to travel to Great Ormond Street Hospital for a life-changing operation was given free train travel.

Train company c2c forked out for Marcus McCarthy's family to have free tickets to get to the London hospital from their home in Southend.

Nine-year-old Marcus, who has cerebral palsy, underwent a major operation to give him more movement.

Mum Scarlett, 30, said they were grateful that the company had helped to ease the pressure of getting to hospital every day.

She said: "We sent a thank you letter to c2c after we got back from Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“The free travel was a massive help when Marcus was in hospital and it was wonderful that they were there.

“The travelling and the travelling costs were such a worry for us because we were always worried about when the rest of the family would be able to come up and be with Marcus and I.

“The free travel took a lot of stress out of the situation."

Marcus, who has a twin brother, Jacob, was born with the condition which affects every part of his life.

The condition caused his limbs to seize, which made him unable to get around without a walking frame.

Back in October 2015, his family asked their local GP surgery, St Luke's health centre in Cluny Square, Southend, if they could be referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London for specialist surgery to help Marcus walk.

He underwent a spinal operation selective dorsal rhizotomy at Great Ormond Street in a bid to permanently reduce or eliminate stiffness in his legs.

While Marcus was in hospital for around three and a half weeks, his mum stayed with him but his dad, Peter, and twin brother were able to visit him frequently thanks to the free train travel.

Scarlett, of Kursaal Way, Southend, added: “My husband and his twin and my other son, Marcus’ twin used to just show the letter when they arrived at the train station in Southend and they could then board the train free of charge.”

A spokesman for c2c said: "When we heard about this and Marcus's case we wanted to do what we could to help."

"We are able to offer travel in cases like this where the family are faced with pressures.

"We are glad that we were able to help in this case."

Marcus is now recovering from his operation and went back to school this month.

In February, the Echo reported how the family was trying to raise £23,000 through the Move a Mountain 4 Marcus appeal, which will fund physiotherapy for the next two years.

So far, generous well wishers have given more than £1,100 to help Marcus walk.

The family need £23,000 to pay for two years of additional physiotherapy, alongside NHS treatment, which is essential if the operation is going to be a success and allow Marcus to walk.

To find out more, or to donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/moveamountain4Marcus.