"Determined" toddler with cerebral palsy walks unaided for the first time

  • 6 years ago
This was the heartwarming moment a toddler from the UK who has been battling cerebral palsy since his premature birth managed to moved unaided for the first time ever on Saturday (October 6).

Wilson, who was born 9 weeks prematurely in January 2016, was born with complications relating to PVL (Periventricular Leukomalacia) which resulted in quadriplegic cerebral palsy making it difficult for him to carry out functions relating to muscle control, balance and coordination.

Despite some difficulties, the young man has powered through his early years and made astounding progress. His mother, Amy Slaven, said: "He doesn't let the disability get in the way of his happiness."

Wilson has previously only been able to move on his walking frame with a little help from his mother but when she got the camera out he decided that he could do this on his own. The audible joy heard from Slaven and Wilson clearly show how much this moment meant to both of them.

Regardless of the triumphant progress made, Wilson is still in need of SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) surgery where he has to raise a minimum of £50,000 to travel to America as he is not eligible in the UK.

His parents said in a statement: "Our wish is that Wilson will be free from the pain that the spasticity causes and one day be able to sit up on his own, walk and maybe even run alongside Ava playing just as a child should be able to."

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