INSPIRATIONAL six year old AJ Tighe has taken his first unaided steps following his life-changing operation.
The youngster, who suffers from cerebral palsy, underwent two operations in the USA four weeks ago following a huge fundraising effort involving people and businesses in Prestatyn and Rhyl, and has now started a physiotherapy programme that is expected to take around three years to complete.
AJ’s father Andy Telford, of Colwyn Bay, said he was “really proud” to see his son up on his feet.
“He’s doing really well since getting back, he’s taken 15 or 16 steps now. He’s dancing about and has his cheeky smile on his face - I just know he’s thinking ‘I knew I could do it’.
“AJ’s doctor has said he expects AJ to be walking in three years, which is just incredible. I’ve thanked him on Facebook and spoken to him, and he said that AJ’s story made him really happy.
“It doesn’t matter how much people have donated, it’s just amazing for everyone to have been a part of his story.
All the messages and letters of support have really helped us keep going.”
The two-part procedure involved operating on the base of AJ’s spine to help straighten his legs and surgery on his hamstrings and heel tendons.