Ulster boy close to first steps after op

Local & National

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

By Claire McNeilly

A brave little Ulster boy has taken a huge stride to being able to walk for the first time - after a life-changing operation in Barcelona.

Little Carlo Morelli (7), from Coleraine, who suffers from diplegia celebral - a debilitating disease that severely limits his mobility - underwent the specialist surgery a few days ago.

As he arrived home, delighted mum Siobhan declared the two-hour op had been a success.

And, incredibly, she revealed her little miracle boy could be running by the summer.

The mother-of-eight said she was overjoyed with the progress Carlo has already made.

"I have seen an instant difference in his legs," she said.

"They fully extend now, he can flex his ankles and his feet are flat. Although he's still in plaster from knee to toe, he is already bearing weight, so we're really happy."

Carlo is expected to remain in plaster for the next six weeks. Then, after intensive physiotherapy, Siobhan said she hopes he will regain his balance, which will enable him to walk.

"We're aiming for a good summer," she said. "Carlo is really positive himself. They took the bandages off his upper legs on Tuesday and it's like a light has been switched on.

"Hopefully within a matter of months he'll be running around. That's the next step."

The trip was funded by a recent auction of gifts donated by some of the world's leading sportsmen which raised a staggering £14,000.

"We didn't expect so much kindness," said Siobhan.

"The night before the operation I was scared. From a mother's perspective, I started to ask myself if I was doing the right thing? Should I put him through it?"

"But there wasn't another option and now, Carlo is fantastic and I'm glad. The whole family is absolutely delighted. The operation was painful for him. Even now we have to be very careful lifting him, he's very tender."

Despite an extremely uncomfortable medical procedure, brave Carlo never, however, lost his sense of humour.

"He obviously got used to seeing himself in the paper," said Siobhan. "He was lying in hospital on Saturday and he said 'mum, when I get back to Coleraine will I still be famous?'"