The mum of a 12-year-old boy who underwent major surgery after a holiday accident has paid tribute to Alder Hey Hospital.
Kelly Hardiman praised the hospital and said they have been "like a family" since her son first received treatment there in 2014.
Kelly's son Joel first went into the hospital after he had an accident in Spain when he was just five-years-old, in which he nearly drowned.
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Joel was left with a hypoxic brain injury due to the restriction of oxygen supply to his brain.
But Kelly hopes recent surgery at the children's hospital will give Joel a much easier life.
Kelly, 35, told the ECHO this left Joel with dystonia where his muscles contract involuntarily, meaning he normally needs the use of a wheelchair to get around.
The mum-of-two from Halewood said: "We've tried medication over the years and nothing has really worked for Joel.
"He's just had a new device called deep brain stimulation implanted, but we won't know the effects because it can take some time to find the right frequencies.
"We hope it will give Joel a much easier life because he suffers with tremors and things so he's quite shaky on every day life."
Deep brain stimulation involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of the brain. The electrodes produce electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses.
Joel was left physically affected by the accident and although he can walk short distances, he is worried to walk on harder surfaces in case his body contorts involuntarily.
Kelly said: "We got told when he was first in that he'd never walk, talk or anything like that ever again, but he can.
"He can walk a little, but as the dystonia has got stronger it's affected his balance so he's scared to walk on concrete on his own.
"He gives it a go on grass as he knows if he falls he's not going to hurt himself.
"At the minute he's not walking at all because of the brain operation. He's still shaking so we need to wait for it to settle down."
Although Kelly admits it's been terrifying at times, Joel has been a driving force for her and older brother Leo.
She added: "Obviously we have our ups and downs and it's been a hard struggle.
"But Joel is the most pleasant and loving kid you'll ever meet. You wouldn't ever know he had a brain operation last week."
Kelly added Leo, Joel's 17-year-old brother, has also been a tremendous help.
She said: "Leo helps out a lot when we're in the house. If I'm doing something he'll always help his brother."
Joel is also a massive Liverpool fan who goes to every home game.
When he couldn't make it to Anfield because of his brain operation, he watched the game on TV from his hospital bed.
The ECHO previously reported on Joel when he went to Anfield in 2015.
Joel's need for a wheelchair almost ruined his chances of seeing the Reds in action as the tickets were for the Main Stand, but the hospitality of Wayne Scholes of Red Touch Media allowed Joel to see the match from a box.
Joel and his family have received ongoing support from Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association.
Kelly said the association have taken the family on day trips and organise activities like cookery nights over Zoom for their members.
Joel has been a regular in Alder Hey Children's Hospital since he was first there as an inpatient for eight months back in 2014.
Earlier this year he had the muscles in his legs extended and a bone from his hip put into his foot to help his mobility.
Kelly said the staff have been "amazing" to Joel and the family since they first went to the hospital.
She said: "We haven't been an inpatient since he was first in for eight months until now.
"Some of the nurses and stuff were recognising him from then.
"They're amazing — they're like a family."
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