Three-year-old Harvey Young could walk for the first time on his own by Christmas, doctors have said.
Harvey Young balances on his own feet after surgery standing next to mum Natalie
Four weeks on from life-changing surgery in America to remove the spastic displegia – a form of cerebral palsy – in his legs, the youngster from Locks Heath has been challenging himself to stand, balance and walk with little or no help.
Normally after the selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) operation, doctors at the hospital in St Louis, Missouri, ask the patients to go back for a check up six months on. But doctors who performed Harvey’s surgery have been astounded by his rapid improvement.
“Four-weeks post operation and he’s made huge improvement,” said his mum Natalie, who was with Harvey for the six-week trip to the United States, while his dad, Nick stayed at home to work at NATS.
“Even Doctor Park who performed his surgery was amazed.
“They predict Harvey to be walking on his own by Christmas. Originally they said within a year. We’ve just got to push it now.
“It would be fabulous news if he did walk by Christmas. That would be a massive Christmas present for me and Nick.
“It was very painful for him in America with the operation. Overall he’s been really determined.
Watch our video of Harvey Young balancing and walking with mum Natalie
“He’s got to learn to control his legs and build his muscles up in his legs. It’s all been very positive.”
Since the operation, the couple, of St Tristan Close, have noticed significant changes in his flexibility, which could normally be taken for granted, including Harvey sitting crossed legged, bending his knees to his chest, and while kneeling he can now lift his hips up to an upright position.
Harvey has changed from using a special wheeled frame for walking to using sticks and has been learning to use a tricycle, pushing his feet on the pedals to create motion.
Each week he has two private physiotherapy sessions, one with the NHS, hydrotherapy at Queen Alexandra Hospital, goes swimming and plays in soft toy play areas to help build strength in his muscles.
An unexpected benefit to Harvey having the operation has been that his speech has improved and he has begun to string sentences together rather than saying words and sounds.
Although the operation has been paid for with £43,000 raised by friends, family and others willing to help, fundraising efforts are still taking place to pay for physiotherapy and equipment.
Visit www.help4harvey.co.uk.