That’s some feat Leo!

GREAT strides . . . Leo Stott has achieved his dream to walk.

IT’S the Christmas miracle Leo Stott’s family thought they’d never see: the Shaw toddler has achieved his dream to walk.

The three year old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was one and has had to rely on a frame and leg splints to get about since.

When his family discovered a spinal operation to allow him to walk wasn’t available on the NHS, they pledged to raise £45,000 to pay for the procedure.

Oldhamers organised charity events across the borough and the fundraising pot soared to £35,000 in months, and former Latics chairman Ken Bates was so moved he donated the final £10,000.

Leo had his operation at Leeds General Infirmary in November - and thanks to daily physiotherapy he is now up and about playing football and walking with the help of sticks.

Proud mum Cara Oldham said: “The progress since his operation is unbelievable. If an adult had major spinal surgery, they’d be laid up for ages but Leo was just so keen to get up and get active. I think it helped that he is so young; he’s taken it all in his stride.

“He’s walking with flat feet now and he’s swapped the leg splints, which he hated, for inserts in his shoes to help him with his balance. We need to work on his confidence.

“He has a mixture of NHS physio and private physio and we do lots with him like horse riding and football. He is starting swimming lessons soon and hydrotherapy so that will help him a lot.

“He’s always been into playing football and he goes to sessions at Chaddy Park cerebral palsy group. It’s really useful for us to go because some of the children have had the same operation so I can talk to their parents about their child’s progress. It’s reassuring to hear their stories.

“I’m so grateful for the way Oldhamers took Leo to their hearts. The money was raised so quickly and people still want to help us even now.

Leo has returned to nursery but he can only go for 15 hours a week due to his many physio appointments. He will start school in September 2016.