Harley back on his feet after US op

WALKING tall: Harley is back home after his operation

A BRAVE youngster is walking tall after returning from a successful, life-changing operation in America.

Nine-year-old Harley Hesford, who suffers from cerebral palsy, travelled to the United States in April for a specialist procedure to help him walk without leg splints and a walking frame.

After a long course of physiotherapy in the US, the determined Failsworth South Primary School pupil is back home and building up strength in his muscles with the hope of walking unaided within a year.

Harley’s dad Paul said the journey had been an amazing experience.

He said: “Harley’s two operations were a complete success, there were no complications and he got through them fine. He’s now got to do a lot of physio to build up his muscles, because a lot of them he’s never been able to use before now. His range of movement is so much better, he’s nowhere near as stiff, it’s fantastic.

“He was really brave throughout it all. He uses a treadmill every day and rides his specialist bike home from school, and he’s feeling great. He’s a lot more happy and chirpy.”

It was thanks to the efforts of the local community that Harley was able to travel to America for the £40,000 surgery. When Harley’s story spread, residents began organising activities and sponsored events to drum up funds for the expensive operation that took place at the St Louis Children’s Hospital.



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