An Angus youngster returned home at the weekend from America after seeing his dream of walking come true.
Riley Murray (6), from Montrose, has cerebral palsy and always longed to be able to walk and run just like his friends at Lochside Primary School.
Now his dreams have come true following ground-breaking surgery in the USA that has left his parents beaming with pride.
Riley underwent an operation on his spine by renowned surgeon Dr TS Park at the St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri.
The youngster flew back at the weekend following his last appointment with Dr Park and video analysis to see the difference with his walking.
Proud mum Trudy said: ”We already know the difference is huge as prior to arriving Riley couldn’t put one foot in front of the other.
”We’re returning from America with a little boy whose dream has come true. He’s now independent with his walker (short distances till he builds up his strength).
”Before being accepted for SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy) we really believed Riley’s life was going to be spent struggling in his wheelchair. Even going to the bathroom or sitting on a chair was so difficult for him.
”We are so grateful for Riley getting this chance and will never forget everyone’s support and kind words over the last few months.”
Riley previously relied on an electric wheelchair to get around but the operation has given him a measure of independence not thought possible.
He has learned how to get into his walker by himself and loves showing this off. He has been working hard at physio and the family decided to extend their stay in America because of his progress.
The family have paid tribute to everyone who helped Trudy and dad Dale achieve their target of £55,000 to pay for the trip.
All future monies raised will go towards Riley’s post-op care, physio, equipment and return trip to St Louis.
The proud family have been updating followers of Riley’s progress in America on his Facebook page, Riley’s First Steps (link). The Facebook page also includes a video of Riley’s first steps outdoors with his walker.
Riley had been expecting to make the trip in November but a cancellation by another patient led to the earlier appointment.
The operation involved nerve roots in Riley’s spine, which cause his spasticity, being cut resulting in smoother, freer movements. A second operation, to lengthen his hamstrings, was carried out a few days later.
Riley had to lie flat in bed for two days after the surgery to prevent leakage of spinal fluid. Afterwards he underwent a course of physiotherapy when he took his first steps, assisted by a member of staff. He still has several years of intense physio ahead of him.
The family have also thanked everyone who has supported them and Riley over the last few months, helping them to raise the cost of the trip to the US.
The Missouri doctor who got Perthshire youngster Jack McNaughton standing (link) performed the operation on Riley.
Ayley and Chloe Hirsch from Carnoustie will also be going on a life-changing trip to the United States for an operation from Dr Park early next year.
Riley was born 11 weeks premature as a twin although he has amazed everyone with what he has achieved in life so far.