DETERMINED youngster Ollie Saxton has taken his first unaided steps – less than a year after a life-changing operation paid for with the help of readers of The Star.
The plucky four-year-old, who was born prematurely with cerebral palsy, is also getting his teeth into new challenges as he prepares to start primary school in Sheffield next week.
His family are looking forward to a bright future after Ollie underwent a gruelling four-hour procedure to treat the condition which caused his legs to twist inwards and his feet downwards, so he could not walk or stand.
And they were thrilled when he took his first three steps without the help of a wheeled stroller or sticks – an achievement doctors thought would take up to two years.
Proud mum Rachel, of Mansfield Road, Intake, said: “I never thought it would happen, Ollie taking his first steps, because this time last year he couldn’t sit up in a chair.
“It’s just the simple things which are incredible for me – it’s brilliant.