£35k plea to help little Leah walk
Taking their first steps is usually one of the key developments in a child's life and a treasured memory for proud parents.
But four-year-old Leah Davy has never been able to walk without help.
Suffering with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, the youngster's leg muscles are tight leaving her unable to put her feet flat on the floor and walk.
But an operation to reduce the stiffness in her legs followed by intense physiotherapy offers Leah hope she will be able to take those unaided first steps.
Her family have now launched an appeal to raise the £35,000 needed for the life-changing procedure and are being supported by charity Tree of Hope.
Leah's mum Katherine, 27, said it was hoped the operation would take place in the UK. If not they would have to travel to the USA to see specialists there.
The youngster attends Springfield Primary School, in Rowley Regis. She currently uses a Kaye walker, a type of zimmer frame, to get around.
Leah was born 12 weeks early and spent the first three months of her life in the neo-natal unit at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital. Her condition was diagnosed after she was still unable to sit up on her own or crawl at the age of one.
Katherine said her daughter was a bright and happy four-year-old who loves school.
She said: "All the staff and other children are brilliant with her.
Once we have the money in place there will be a period of assessment. It is at this point we will find out where the operation will take place.."
To contribute to the fund follow this link.
