A schoolboy whose life was transformed by the kindness of Mirror readers celebrates his 18th birthday today.
Brave Ben Baddeley from Staffordshire faced life in a wheelchair from the age of nine after his surgery for cerebral palsy was withdrawn due to Tory cuts.
After reading of his plight, generous Daily Mirror readers helped raise the £20,000 needed for a private operation – and rallied around again to help when he needed physiotherapy treatment.
Ben’s proud mum Amy, 37, has kept a video diary of his progress as he built up his strength and stamina, including through running sessions underwater.
Now, her son is planning for university and hoping to learn to drive. Amy said: “His college work is fantastic and his grades are at distinction level.
“He is now looking at university and is really looking forward to going. He is currently waiting for his provisional driving licence to come through and he’s super-eager to start driving lessons.
“He is now looking at university and is really looking forward to going. He is currently waiting for his provisional driving licence to come through and he’s super-eager to start driving lessons.
“His mobility is fantastic and as always he’s working hard with strength training to maintain his level of mobility to continue being strong and independent. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
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In 2014, Ben was about to undergo a life-changing selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) operation at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham. But after 18 months on the waiting list, it was cancelled. Ben’s care worker dad Gary, 46, and Amy started fundraising for the surgery and Mirror readers eagerly pitched in.
The actor Martin Sheen was so moved by our story that he donated £2,000 to help the vital campaign.
We first featured Ben, of Silverdale, Staffs, in 2011, when he was able to play football with his friends and little brother Joshua, 13. His cerebral palsy meant he had misfiring nerves which caused constant tightness in the leg muscles. SDR involved cutting nerves that were not working and leaving the healthy ones intact.
It helped him regain movement in his legs to enable him to walk.
Ben’s physio was not paid for by the NHS so Amy and Gary had to raise a further £37,000 on a GoFundMe page. The youngster has thanked Mirror readers who supported him and his parents for their tireless fundraising efforts through the years.
After his long struggle and courageous fight, Ben now hopes to study computer programming.
