Brave Ethan sets out on his epic journey

7:30am Friday 13th July 2007

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ETHAN is getting ready to pack his bags for his first operation in Germany!

The three-year-old, from Penketh, is going to have his first operation under Dr Milton Waner in Berlin on Tuesday, July 24.

It will be the first of several operations to remove disfiguring cysts on his face and head.

Warrington Guardian readers have donated thousands to Ethan's campaign because his family fear taunting from other children will leave him psychologically scarred.

Ethan's mum, Karen Bell, from Well Lane, said: "Dr Waner wants to see Ethan on July 23 in his clinic and we have been told he will make a full plan of how many procedures he will need and when they will take place.

"The first procedure is on his chin. He will have stitches for seven to 10 days and he will be on steroids and antibiotics.

"Ethan had a test at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool on Friday. He had some granulation tissue removed so his tracheotomy should be more comfortable now. He has a bruised face but it is not bothering him at all."

Dozens of events have been held to raise money for Ethan and donations have flooded into the family.

A few of the latest fundraisers include: l Penketh fun day on Greystone Rec on July 21.

l Michelle Garvin from Weight Watchers has organized a Body Shop Party at St James's Church in Great Sankey on July 23 at 10.30am. Admission is £3 on the door and 15 per cent of the profits will go to Ethan.

l Warrington Collegiate are having a pamper evening on July 24. All the beauty and massage students are getting together to provide the treatments. The price is likely to be £5 on the door.

l Buckley Street play centre Fun2b is having a fundraising fun day on August 8 from 10am until 3pm.

For more details visit the special Ethan section at warringtonguardian.co.uk or visit ethansjourney.co.uk sbailey@guardiangrp.co.uk