Watch: Evie-Lou's first steps after miracle op
A seven-year-old who went to America for a life-changing operation two years ago has made her first two steps unaided.
Evie-Lou Harrington could barely move her feet forward, even with a special walking frame, before surgery and spent much of her time in a wheelchair.
This week a determined Evie, of Llangynog, Mid Wales, stepped out alone to the delight of her mother Donna.
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I'd like to Thank All those that commented on Evie's Video, she has only gone and done it again! Better view this time though. Tomorrow is our last session, I always feel deflated leaving, I love seeing Evie's progress whilst we are here, now all I need to do is figure out when to come back! Hope you enjoy watching just as much as I do!
Posted by Evie's Dream on Thursday, 30 July 2015
The proof but don't blink!! This would not of happened without all of your support... Those who fundraised to help Evie have the surgery. If you could just take 2 secs to make a comment for Evie to read and I can show her before tomorrow's session
Posted by Evie's Dream on Wednesday, 29 July 2015
You can also watch the videos at facebook.com/EviesDream
The family raised more than £40,000 to send Evie to the US for selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery to help her mobility. There were no guarantees that she would walk.
But regular specialist physiotherapy sessions with MP Fitness have seen her strengthen her legs so much that earlier this year she was able to use her walking sticks to take part in a mile sponsored walk at Lake Vyrnwy.
The event was held to raise funds to send her older sister Emilie for the same operation.
Emilie, who also has cerebral palsy, was not as disabled as Evie as a young child, but her mobility has degenerated to such an extent that she now has to wear splints.
Mrs Harrington has launched the Emilie's Leap of Faith appeal to raise £60,000 for her operation.
Meanwhile she is with Evie at a special physiotherapy camp at MP Fitness in Scotland. She said by the end of the first week of intensive hard work, Evie had been able to discard her splints.
"She has had new trainers to celebrate," she said.
From stretching sessions to balancing on her knees, the seven-year-old has pushed herself to the limit, Donna said. "I'm so proud of her," she said.
On Wednesday her determination paid off when, under the instruction of physio Mike Poole, Evie took two solo steps. "She has come so far in two-and-a-half years. It is only when you see a video of what she could do before her operation that you realise just what progress she has made," her mother said.
Now she says she wants her older daughter to have the same operation. "On September 13 I'm running Lake Vrynwy Half Marathon because Emilie needs her life-changing operation because her condition is slowly deteriorating.
"To help Emilie I'm trying to raise £1,000 out of her £60,000 target. If the public could please sponsor me £1 I would be extremely grateful."
Go to www.justgiving.com/13gruellingmilesforemiliefaith More fundraisers can be found on Facebook at Emilie's Leap of Faith.
