The family of brave Perthshire tot Jack McNaughton have enjoyed the “best Christmas ever” following his ground-breaking surgery in the United States.
Little Jack had the time of his life, impressing visiting family and friends with his “new legs.”
The fun-loving three-year-old suffers from debilitating cerebral palsy and faced the prospect of life in a wheelchair until he travelled to the United States for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The procedure, carried out by renowned doctor TS Park, successfully eliminated the pain and spasticity in his body.
At the conclusion of an at times exciting, at times traumatic, year he enjoyed a “perfect” Christmas with mum Stacy (25), dad Graham (30) and baby sister Rhian.
“Just like any other wee boy, Jack was tremendously excited about Christmas,” Stacy said. “What has happened over the last few months has been a dream come true for us.
“Jack is doing so well and it is just the best Christmas ever.”
The McNaughtons raised more than £75,000 from the public to fund their trip to America something that makes them “eternally grateful.”
Little Jack’s story touched local residents after it was featured in The Courier and the fund-raising quickly snowballed.
“So many people have supported us it has been incredible,” Stacy added. “We are just so grateful.
“We were determined to give Jack the best possible chances and we are delighted with the results.”
Jack still requires intensive and gruelling physiotherapy, but enjoyed a rare weekend off due to the festivities.
“He has done really well and we are so proud of him,” his mum continued. “The fact he can walk with just a little help from his walker and take big strong steps is just amazing but there are lots of other little changes, too.
“He has much more feeling in his body and his hand-eye co-ordination has really improved. Every day we are noticing changes and it’s only been a month.
“Dr Park told us he should be walking independently within a year but we think it will be even sooner.”
While youngsters across the nation enjoyed unwrapping their gifts, for Jack and his family new-found mobility proved to be the best present imaginable.