A MOTHER has told how she cried with joy after a kind benefactor donated thousands of pounds to help save her son’s eyesight.

Michelle Baker and husband, Darren, are seeking to raise £22,500 in order for their son, Eli, to undergo the operation in California next spring.

Eli was diagnosed with congenital nystagmus when he was just seven-months-old.

The condition causes his eyes to shake and vibrant continuously and makes focusing extremely difficult.

Since his parents began their Eyesight 4 Eli campaign last year, Eli’s eyesight has deteriorated further and he has also been diagnosed with Waardenburgs Syndrome.

He has now been registered partially sighted and doctors say he must undergo an operation to correct the condition before he turns three.

Now, as he approaches two, Eli’s parents have been growing increasing worried they will struggle to raise enough funds for his operation.

However, their hearts were lifted after an anonymous donation of £5,000 was made meaning the Baker family is just £3,600 off their overall target.

Michelle said: “We were so overwhelmed when we found out. I just cried.

“We worked so hard in August to raise £5,000 and then to see someone donate that kind of money themselves is just incredible.

“The campaign has been amazing because people have taken it upon themselves to help out.”

Since starting their appeal last year, the Baker family has worked tirelessly to raise the money needed to help save Eli’s eyesight.

Recent Land Rover driving events and bike rides have helped inch the figure closer to the target.

Michelle has even signed herself up to her first Colchester half marathon in a bid to raise more money.

But now with this latest donation of £5,000, Michelle admits she is beginning to realise a once long-off target is now closer than ever.

She added: “I didn’t expect to be at this point already to be honest. It always seemed so far off.

“£3,600 is just a drop compared to what we have achieved so far.

“It’s starting to feel very real now.

“Eli’s eyesight has deteriorated but he is doing brilliantly. He just seems to amaze people with how he copes.

“His other senses help him and he’s especially good at being able to smell and find chocolate.

One of the things Michelle is desperate to see once the operation is complete is Eli and his baby brother, Oscar, playing together.

She says the two have already formed a strong relationship and the thought of them playing together is something which really excites her.

She said: “He absolutely loves his brother, he’s the first thing he talks about in the mornings.

“It will be amazing when he can see and watching them grow up together will be brilliant.”

To donate towards the Eyesight 4 Eli appeal, visit www.youcaring.com/eli-baker-573859.