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Botox boy takes first steps
One small step at a time, Joshua Waddell walks unaided for the first time.
The six-year-old schoolboy was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy four years ago.
Determined to reach his goal of walking on his own, triplet Josh and his family have tried all sorts of methods – including Wii computer games and botox injections – to strengthen his leg muscles.
Hearing about his plight, scores of fund-raisers have pledged cash to buy the East Herrington youngster equipment to help him in his quest.
Mum Caroline, who is also mum to Sarah and Rachel, said: "We have done lots of stretching and exercises with Josh to build up his strength, but in a fun way."
"He uses a Wii to stimulate his muscles and only last Saturday he had Botox injections to help relax his hamstrings because they are so tight.
"The equipment that fund-raisers have paid for, such as specialist bikes, has also been brilliant and we are so grateful.
"As well as that, Josh's confidence has grown so much in the past year and he has been able to take a couple of steps on his own."
She added: "It's trial and error at the minute, so we are trying various exercises and equipment to try and help Josh."
To help Josh with his development, fitness fans gathered at the Sunderland Health and Racquet Club to take part in a triathlon and raise further funds for his cause.
About 35 participants took part in the sponsored 500m swim followed by a 20km bike ride and 5km run.
Josh, a pupil at East Herrington Primary, was on hand to marshal the run section of the race.
Money raised will help pay for a continuous passive motion machine which could help Josh's hamstring movement.
Organiser Alison Brown, a freelance fitness instructor, was inspired to host the race because her son, also named Josh, has cerebral palsy too.
"Working Josh's muscles is so incredibly important," she explained.
"I have been through what Josh's parents are going through and you are battling against his body all the time.
"Sometimes you feel like you are standing still. Everyone is different, but hopefully it will come with time."
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
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