Washington teenager who survived stroke at just four hours old celebrates special birthday with the help from the community

Thomas Wolfenden was born with cerebral palsy and brain damage and after having a stroke at just four hours old, his mother Vicky was told he would likely never walk or talk in his life.

Eighteen years later Thomas has defied the odds to celebrate the landmark birthday but was unable to enjoy it the way he originally wanted due to the coronavirus lockdown.

As a big car fan, Thomas wanted to celebrate by going go-kart riding but when that became impossible due to lockdown, his Mam Vicky arranged for a special drive by of cars for Thomas to surprise him and celebrate the big day.

She said: “I put a post on Facebook asking if people would surprise Thomas and wish him happy birthday as they drive past him and beep their horns.

“He was blown away by all the cars that wished him a happy birthday. We lost count of how many people drove past. He really deserves it and we can't thank everyone who took part enough, they made his day.”

Thomas, who attends Portland Academy, still regularly visits Sunderland Royal hospital to check on the doctors and nurses who have looked after him his entire life.

Thomas loved the surprise arranged by Vicky and enjoyed seeing all the different types of cars that drove by to wish him a happy birthday.

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