“My walking dream”

A nine year old boy who dreams of walking with his twin brother has taken his first steps….just a year after a life-changing operation.

Marcus McCarthy, of Kursaal Way, Southend, underwent a major spinal operation – dorsal rhizotomy – in his bid for more movement.

After being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, he has grown up using a walking frame. Following 12 months of intensive physiotherapy, Marcus has ditched the frame and gone on a treadmill for the first time.

His proud mum, Scarlett, 30, said: “It has been a long but good year, Marcus has had to work the hardest. He has achieved so much in one year and yet still has a lot of work to do. It has been difficult for him, he has had to cope with his body changing but he is getting more confident.

“He has achieved walking with tripod crutches for the first time in his life and has also gone on a treadmill for the first time.

“This year has changed Marcus’ life. It’s not been easy and sometimes it has not been fun but to be one year post-operation feels amazing and we are all so proud of both boys.”