Harrogate boy with life-limiting condition is able play with friends after charity's gift

Five-year-old Felix Williams of Harrogate has an undiagnosed condition which leaves him unable to sit or stand without help.

He has undergone operations to free muscles and tendons in his hips and legs to enable them to bend.

His family applied to the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation for help to buy him a specialist standing frame and car seat.

The standing frame will allow him to play with his friends at school.

The family, formerly of Calverley in Leeds, had previously had to use a standard car seat for Felix.

But because he is unable to sit independently he was leaning to one side and often cried in pain from his positioning.

Surgery earlier this year to free muscles and tendons proved life-changing and Felix can now use a walker.

Felix’s mum, Sarah, said: “The new equipment means the world to Felix and to us as a family.

“The standing frame should help to ensure that Felix doesn’t need any more medical procedures on his legs which is fantastic and it is so lovely to see him being able to stand with both hands free to play.”

“The car seat is fantastic. We are all so excited that we can travel Felix safely and comfortably for car journeys.”

Foundation vice-chairman Richard Stroud, said: “Because we are a charity and because I have had a lifetime of negotiating with suppliers in business, we were able to reach an agreement to purchase both pieces of equipment and I am delighted to hear that they are already helping Felix.”