CEREBRAL palsy sufferer Jake Storr is today flying back to America to see if he requires more surgery to strengthen his chances of regularly walking unaided.
His parents say the nine-year-old, from Holton-le- Clay, has made “great progress” and can often be seen walking around his school without the use of his walking stick.
As reported, in March last year Jake underwent the potentially life-changing revolutionary selective dorsal rhizotomy operation in America, made possible thanks to a £40,000 fundraising appeal supported by the Grimsby Telegraph.
The Holton-le-Clay Junior School pupil’s muscles were so weak because of his cerebral palsy, that he had never been able to walk unaided.
Now his parents Tina and Gavin are preparing to fly back to St Louis Children’s Hospital for his first check-up.
Gavin said: “He will have a medical and physio assessment and the possibility of minor surgery on his hamstring muscles.
“We won’t know for definite until Thursday whether he needs it or not.”
Due to the costs of the trip and possible surgery, his family are continuing to raise money.
Gavin has organised a golf day at Immingham Golf Club on Friday, July 29, while on Sunday, August 28, there will be a Michael Buble-themed swing night at Oaklands Hotel.
“St Louis said we had to go back within a year just to see how he is getting on and for a physio assessment and after that they can follow his progress via a video link,” said Gavin.
“My wife, my daughter and I are going out there with him, and a few days later his grandma, aunt and my youngest son will join us.
“To go 14 hours is a long way just to go to the hospital so we are going to have a few days out there as a family.
“We expect to be there for about 10 days in total. How long we are at the hospital depends on what they say about the surgery.”
Gavin said Jake has progressed really well in the last year.
He said: “He does a lot of walking around school and now he is having physiotherapy and we found a local girl to give him private sessions.
“Because his muscles are quite weak he is susceptible to injury and has suffered with a twisted ankle and pulled muscles.
“He hasn’t got a lot on him because he burns it off so we are off to see a dietician.”
Football fan Jake was offered the chance to be a mascot at Grimsby Town’s final match of last season against Altrincham.
Gavin said: “Because he had a twisted ankle we decided he couldn’t go because we want him to be able to experience it properly, and hopefully he can next season.”
The golf day is a team event, starting at 8.30am and costing £25 per player or £100 per team, including a buffet.
Starting at 7.30pm, the swing event is £27 a ticket, including a three-course meal, live singer and disco. To take part in the golf day or for swing tickets, call Gavin on 07989808283 or email gavinstorr1@hotmail.co.uk
source: thisisgrimsby.co.uk
Cerebral Palsy Claims
