Seven-year-old Michael Gannon is on the road to recovery after a six-hour operation.

Michael, of Kempton Walk, Shirley, has a chiari malformation a blockage at the base of the brain stem and top of the spinal cord.

The condition causes the Orchard Way Primary School pupil to suffer extreme headaches, pains in his arms and legs, dizziness and bowel problems.

He underwent surgery last Wednesday at a hospital in Los Angeles. During the operation a titanium net was fitted to support Michael's brain stem, the gap between his brain stem and spinal cord was widened for the cerebral fluid to pass through freely and the surgeons hope the cysts that have developed on his spine will go.

Michael remained in intensive care until Sunday when he was transferred to a ward. He is now undergoing tests after his heart started beating erratically, which doctors believe may be a result of the trauma of the surgery.

Michael's dad, Tony Gannon, who has remained at the family's home in Shirley, said the doctors were confident the operation had been a success.

He said: "I am very relieved that the operation is over, I was even more relieved when I spoke to him on Sunday.

"When he came round he asked his mum if he had the operation and if he was brave, which just took me to pieces."

He added: "I cannot wait for him to come home, although at the moment we don't know when that will be."

This year Croydon Champions has a new look categories including Child of Courage.

The award will recognise those children like Michael who have shown remarkable courage in overcoming an illness or medical condition or those who have struggled with a personal difficulty.

Tony endorsed the campaign saying: "Any child that has to go through anything like that deserves all the recognition they can get.

"When you read about other children and parents in those situations it does give you that extra boost at the times when it does get difficult. It kind of inspires you to go on, although you have to anyway.

"We are one of the lucky ones because Michael has had so much help, support and luck which a lot of people don't get."