A baby who appeared healthy at birth to his parents was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder after a doctor immediately spotted a problem with his breathing.
Frank Lloyd's mum and dad thought nothing was wrong when he was born at Arrowe Park Hospital on January 28. But a doctor raised concerns about the little boy's breathing right away, and Frank was whisked off for tests.
They revealed that he had been born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type One - a genetic condition that makes the muscles weaker and causes problems with movement. Parents Frazer Lloyd and Leah Statham from Ellesmere Port have had their "ups and downs" since the diagnosis, according to friend Joe Fearnyough, but Frank has been an "inspiration to everyone", reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Joe, who grew up with Frazer, said that Frank is a real fighter and has already defied the odds.
"They are just a lovely couple and I honestly can't describe how great they have been through all this. They always have a smile on their face and the way they have handled the diagnosis has been amazing," he added.
"They got lucky really, when they had the baby he looked fine and when you see him you would not think he has anything wrong with him. A doctor came in to check on him and noticed straight away that his breathing was not right. If that doctor had not come in, baby Frank would not be here now."
Frank has SMA Type One which develops in babies less than 6 months old and is the most severe type. It is a genetic condition that makes the muscles weaker and causes problems with movement.
In the past, babies with type one rarely survived beyond the first few years of life. But in recent years outcomes have improved with early diagnosis and treatment. However, it is one of the most expensive treatments on the NHS.
Joe, from Ellesmere Port, said: "Frank is so inspirational and is honestly the most amazing boy that I have ever met in my life. Nothing gets in his way and he just deals with everything that has happened to him.
"Doctors said he might never be able to move his arms and now he can, they said he won't be able to talk and he already has a little voice. He inspires me and I wanted to do something for him."
Joe along with his friends will be doing a series of challenges to raise money for Frank and his parents. The first will be the Three Peaks challenge on August 25. If you would like to donate to the page click here.
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