VIDEO: Inspirational toddler with cerebral palsy takes first steps after Worksop unites to raise £20k for pioneering surgery

An inspirational little boy with cerebral palsy has taken his first unaided steps thanks to pioneering surgery made possible by fundraising efforts from the Worksop community.
Elias Haydock, three, of Worksop with his mum Charlotte after his life changing operation. Picture: Andrew RoeElias Haydock, three, of Worksop with his mum Charlotte after his life changing operation. Picture: Andrew Roe
Elias Haydock, three, of Worksop with his mum Charlotte after his life changing operation. Picture: Andrew Roe

Little Elias Haydock, three, of Worksop, walked fifteen steps just sixteen weeks after undergoing the lif e changing operation in May.

Elias’ mum, Charlotte Haydock, has given thanks to those involved in fundraising for the operation and spoken of the emotional moment she witnessed her son walk unaided for the first time.

She told the Guardian: “I cried my eyes out when I saw Elias was walking. I never thought he would be able to walk on his own so quickly after the operation.”

Elias Haydock, three, of Worksop with his mum Charlotte after his life changing operation. Picture: Andrew RoeElias Haydock, three, of Worksop with his mum Charlotte after his life changing operation. Picture: Andrew Roe
Elias Haydock, three, of Worksop with his mum Charlotte after his life changing operation. Picture: Andrew Roe

“What made it particularly emotional was the fact that Elias was supposed to be getting the operation on the NHS, but they withdrew funding at the last minute, which was heartbreaking.”

“With help from the community, we managed to raise £20,000 for the operation and his aftercare, although we still need to raise £4,000 to reach our target.”

“The operation involved cutting nerves to reduce tightness in Elias’ legs. Immediately upon waking, he was wiggling his toes!”

“I can’t thank the local community enough for their support. There have been so many events held across the town to make this all possible.”

“Elias currently walks with the help of special equipment but doctors have told us that, with enough physio, there is no reason he shouldn’t walk and even run completely independently in the next two years without further surgical intervention - and that’s so amazing to hear.”

Elias is currently undergoing physio privately to help speed up his recovery. If you would like to donate towards Elias’ aftercare and help him achieve his dream, visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/helpeliaswalk/

Follow Elias’ progress on his Facebook page: Help Elias Walk

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