A young boy will be able to walk for the first time in a year without his wheelchair following spinal surgery next week.
Oliver Geldard, eight, from Hazel Grove, Stockport , was diagnosed with severe kyphoscoliosis, a condition where the spine is round and deformed, at just eight months.
Oliver, who has been at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital since October 2018, has had to use a wheelchair alongside a traction weighted metal frame around his head.
The frame is used to pull his head up and lengthen his spine for surgery. Without procedure-correcting procedures, Oliver’s spine would grow curved and crush his lungs and heart.
On Tuesday, Oliver will undergo surgery to insert rods into his spine.
“He’ll instantly grow a few inches taller, which will take some getting used to,” said Oliver's mum Nicola, 42.
“The whole process of being in the wheelchair with the weights has been leading up to this surgery – so we’ve been on countdown for a long time."
Following the procedure, which will straighten his spine, Oliver will be able to live back at home with his mum, dad Chris, 43, and sister Maisie, aged six.
“We’ve celebrated Mother’s Day, Oliver’s birthday and other big occasions in the hospital but I’m determined he’ll be celebrating my birthday, which is 19th September, at home with a big family party.”
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Not only that, but Oliver plans to take part in the hospital’s upcoming Humphrey's Lantern Walk.
The sponsored walk, which takes place on Saturday 16th November in Heaton Park , raises money to support young patients at the hospital.
“The staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital are just incredible, we can’t thank them enough, hence why we’re doing the walk as a thank you for all their help,” added Nicola.
“Humphrey’s Lantern Walk has a 2K and a 4K route but I think Oliver might just try the 2K route – even that will be a big challenge for someone who hasn’t had a lot of practice at walking this last year.
“To be able to see him out of his wheelchair and doing the stuff he enjoys will be just amazing.”
Registration for the walk costs £5 per child, and includes a goody bag and twinkling lantern. Those who register before 30th September will also receive a free pair of Humphrey Bear ears to wear during the walk.
Everyone taking part is asked to try to raise a minimum of £30 in sponsorship for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.
You can register for Humphrey’s Lantern Walk here .
