But behind his gummy smile lies a start to life that has been both painful and heartbreaking.

Born with spina bifida, Jackson has limited sensation from his knees down.

His short life has been a carousel of doctors’ appointments and hospital stays, culminating in a shunt being surgically inserted into his skull to help drain away excess brain fluid.

While his friends are starting to walk, Jackson is doing more of a “commando crawl”, according to mum Trish Downey.

In a bid to give him more mobility, Ms Downey and her supporters have launched a fundraising drive to buy a wheelchair for Jackson, rather than wait 12 months for a publicly funded one.

It is expected to cost about $5000, so the family has announced a series of garage sales, raffles and even a special fundraising dinner.

“It would make a huge difference to him and would help so much with his independence,” Ms Downey said.

“He should be able to play with his friends outside ... it’s really important for him socially.

“I don’t want to see his progress delayed by something like this.”

Supporters will run garage sales this Saturday at 25 Southview St, West Tamworth and 3 Falcon Dr, Calala.

Both sales will run from 8am to 1pm and offer a bounty of brand-new children’s toys.

A fundraising raffle is also being run, with first prize a $1500 electric-charged Chopper kids motorbike.

For more details on Jackson and to buy raffle tickets, visit www.wydidya.com.au