Market Drayton youngster Evie takes big steps in bid to walk unaided

And this year has seen the eight-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, make great strides as she continues to surprise her family and doctors with her progress.

The youngster, who lives in Market Drayton and goes to the town's junior school, walked with the aid of a frame prior to the selective dorsal rhizotomy operation at Leeds General Infirmary hospital in September 2013.

But over the last 12 months Evie has been able to get around without the use of the frame and take more and more steps independently.

Her father, Jonathan, said: "Her walking has come on amazingly. She is walking independently and she is getting about all over the place.

"We have done a lot this year. We knew she could walk but she just lacked confidence in herself and wanted someone to stand next to or behind her.

"We took her to a specialist guy in Scotland who is a personal trainer. In about June time he gave her the confidence she needed and got her on the front foot. It's been non-stop since.

"We have also had a new physio who has been absolutely amazing who has made her proactive and helped her go from strength to strength.

"When we went for her two-year update to see the surgeon he was over the moon. He was pleased with her progress after a year, but after hearing what she has achieved this year he is made up with her progress.

"She went to a birthday party recently where she ended up leading the conga. We would normally be standing next to her worrying. But it proved she is a lot more confident now and we are delighted she has kept on with it."

Evie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition which causes problems with movement and co-ordination, before her first birthday. However, hope was in sight when her parents, Jonathan and his wife Jayne, found out she was suitable for corrective surgery.

But they were dealt a huge blow when South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust rejected their bid to fund a selective dorsal rhizotomy operation.

Not to be defeated, they took the bold decision to try to raise for the £50,000 surgery. So they set up a fundraising campaign, which became known as Evie's Butterfly Fund, in February 2013. Within six months an incredible £49,000 was raised.

Her family, which also includes her brother Will, six, moved from Cannock to Market Drayton in the summer. "I think we were all a bit worried to start off with but both of them love it, and for Evie the world is her oyster," Mr Poole added.