Amazing steps for brave Thomas

12:20pm Saturday 6th January 2007

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HE's already astounded his parents with his amazing recovery.

Now Thomas Hughes has taken it a step further - literally.

As reported in the Argus, the eight-year-old who lives in Blaina, was confined to a wheelchair 12 months ago.

He was born with a mystery condition which prevented him from walking and talking like other children.

Unwilling to give up, parents Wayne and Alison sought specialist help and found a clinic in Oxford which offered a course of physiotherapy which could benefit the youngster.

Each treatment costs £1,200 but with the help of the community and some unexpected fundraising events, enough cash came in to pay for several sessions.

Mr Hughes says the results are astounding.

Already the Argus has reported how Thomas began walking - now he will be making his own way to his school, Pen-y-cwm special needs school in Beaufort, unaided from Monday.

"It's amazing - his wheelchair will stay at the school now," said Mr Hughes.

"We are just so pleased with his progress - we'd never have imagined it last year."

Thomas will be catching the bus without any help from Monday.

*The couple were boosted by the efforts of overseas fundraiser Robert Windsor from Majorca who has contributed around £7,000 to a local appeal fund.