The mum of an Angus youngster who was born deaf says he is now able to play like any other normal little boy.
Four-year-old Oliver Bosch, from Carnoustie, spent his first two years lying down as his lack of hearing meant he did not have any balance.
The toddler was constantly ill due to his weak immune system and required major surgery because his neck muscles were too soft, which caused his airways to collapse and restrict his breathing.
He now has implants to help him hear some noises and, for the first time, Oliver is fit enough and well-versed in sign language with his older sister Darcy, 8, so he can finally communicate and play with her.
Mum Jemma, 40, said: “He’s now eating so much more and is more alert now.
“One of the best things is that he’s able to interact and play with his sister.
“They even have little arguments at the dinner table in sign language.
“It’s these small things that other people don’t think about, that they weren’t able to do before.”
Oliver still is regularly unwell due to his weak immune system and he is a couple of years behind in his development. He regularly goes for mapping at hospital where his implants are adjusted so he can hear better.
But progress is slow and it is still not known if Oliver will ever be able to speak full sentences.
Jemma said: “He was due to start school this year, but we’ve delayed it till 2017 as he’s only just starting to develop his social skills now.”
Oliver’s family are still trying to raise £20,000 for a trip to the specialist John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles, but if they don’t reach that amount, they will use the cash on sign language classes for him instead.