An Angus mum said she hopes a Montrose man’s bid for life-changing surgery has the same happy ending as her own family’s story.
Averil Hirsch was speaking after The Courier revealed that Graham Henderson (44) had been inspired by her daughters, Ayley and Chloe, and fellow Carnoustie girl Brooke Ramsay.
Mr Henderson, who suffers from cerebral palsy, went for a consultation at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol but was assessed as unsuitable for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) because of his age.
The operation involves cutting nerves in the spine so only the correct signals get through, which would allow Mr Henderson to walk without difficulty and help his speech.
He is now trying to find a surgeon in the USA who might be able to help him and his journey is to be documented by a film crew focusing on cerebral palsy in adults.
Averil told The Courier: “We were delighted to hear that the twins had inspired Graham to find out about SDR treatment.
“We know from personal experience that it will be a long journey but we hope Graham’s story has a similar happy ending.
“I’m sure Graham will have the support of everyone in the Angus community, just like Ayley and Chloe did when we started our journey.”
Mr Henderson, who owns Graham’s Garden Care, would be one of the oldest people in the UK to have the operation.
Carnoustie twins and cerebral palsy sufferers Ayley and Chloe Hirsch were unable to stand or walk unaided before undergoing the operation in the US last year.
Brooke Ramsay also underwent the pioneering surgery at Frenchay Hospital in the summer and can also now walk and run with her friends.
The girls’ stories, detailed in The Courier, inspired Mr Henderson.
Averil added: “The girls are doing amazingly well and are both achieving the targets set for them by their physiotherapists.
“They are now able to do the small, everyday things that most of us take for granted. Ayley is running and riding her scooter and Chloe is using her walking frame and her sticks.
“Both girls still have a long way to go but they are working hard every day.”
The girls flew to Missouri in January 2012 for surgery to restore the use of their legs. The family are now preparing to return to America for a check up with Dr TS Park and his team.
Averil said: “It’s a very exciting time but it’s also a very nervous time.”
Mr Henderson previously told The Courier there are only four surgeons in the world who will carry out the operation on someone his age.
Although he can still do his job, he suffers from muscle pain in his back and leg and a speech impediment because of his condition.
He said he wants to get the operation before things deteriorate because the last thing he wants is to eventually end up in a wheelchair.
Once he can find a surgeon willing to operate, Mr Henderson will then look at raising the money he needs to achieve his dream.