Drive to get little Oakley moving

A severe reaction to a common cold has left a Black Country youngster paralysed.

Oakley Ball, aged 20-months, of Penn, Wolverhampton, had just celebrated his first Christmas and was learning to walk and talk when he became ill.

He needs thousands of pounds worth of equipment to help him get in and out of bed, move around and help him grow.

Friends and family launched a £15,000 drive to help provide equipment to aid his mobility after doctors confirmed he contracted the spinal condition transverse myelitis.

He will need a height-adaptable bed, ceiling hoist tracking system to lift him, a special bath and a standing table to help him grow.

The city's primary care trust will provide many aids, but his mother, Nicky Cookson, said he will need others, including a mobility car to help him move about from the age of three.

Nicky, 28, said: "When we first found out about Oakley's condition we were just relieved he was alive at first but it was real bombshell and it has been very difficult adapting.

"We are in the process of moving house because we used to live in a first floor flat and last weekend was the first weekend he has come home since he went into Birmingham Children's Hospital." Oakley will have four weeks of rehabilitation from Monday-Friday at Oswestry Spinal Unit.

Nicky, a housekeeper at Penn Hospital, added: "He sometimes gets frustrated because he is starting to realise he can't do some things he used to be able to do."

Fundraising is being headed by Mike Williams, of the Firs Inn, Windmill Lane, Castlecroft, whose sister, Sarah Leo, works with Nicky as well as Oakley's aunt, Stacey Cookson.

A sponsored head shave at the pub saw Stacey, 26, and regular Andy Haughtey shorn to help raise an estimated £1,500. An August bank holiday family fun day, a Halloween fancy dress party and a Christmas sleigh dash are planned.

To help call The Firs on 01902 763036.