George's First Steps

George Palmer is a 5 year old living in Devon with his Mummy and Daddy.
 
George was born in Wycombe Hospital six weeks prematurely on 7th September 2007, by emergency c-section weighing 4lb 14oz. When he was 3 days old he had an MRI Scan which revealed that he had a major brain haemorrhage which had taken place before he was born. Blood had leaked all over his brain causing intensive damage. The Doctors said he would never walk, never talk and have severe disabilities - likely to be cerebral palsy, epilepsy and possible vision problems. We were also told that he would never know who we were. That is where life stopped!
 
George started life with constant hospital visits and physiotherapy. Over time the stiffness caused by Cerebral Palsy revealed itself as did the developmental delay that his disabilities caused. We also found out that George had little vision and he was registered blind by Great Ormond Street Hospital. George’s left-hand side is mainly affected although over time it appears that his left arm and right leg are the main affected limbs.
 
George is a very determined little boy and defying a lot of earlier prognosis. George is now able to bunny hop, he can sit, can stand against the furniture and even climbs onto the sofa! He is so pleased with himself. George does have a standing frame which allows him to stand supported for longer periods of time. George is even taking a few steps if fully supported, although his legs are stiff and he finds the steps difficult. Encouragingly, even though he finds it hard, he wants to walk!
 
George is a very vocal little boy with more and more to say all the time which we love. He knows exactly who his mummy and daddy are as well as other family members and some friends. He says hello to anyone who will listen and high fives everyone at any opportunity.
 
We are so, so proud of George. Every single little achievement, we know just how hard he has worked to get there!!!