Molly can ‘wiggle her toes’ after op (From Cotswold Journal)

Molly can ‘wiggle her toes’ after op

1:10pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

A BROADWAY youngster has taken her first steps after a successful life-changing operation in America.

Molly Grove has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, which has stopped her from being able to walk without support.

After months of fund-raising and generosity from well-wishers and businesses, Molly’s Mission raised more than the required £55,000 to allow her to have the major operation in St Louis, USA.

Now after last week’s successful procedure, the threeyear- old’s parents are hoping she will be able to walk unaided for the first time within two years.

Becky Lamb, Molly’s mum, flew back into the UK over the weekend following the operation. She said: “She is still very weak, but yesterday she did 20 steps in her walking frame.

“It all went amazingly, she did really well. They have reduced all the spasticity in her legs. She can now fully move her legs and wiggle her toes.

“She has never been able to wiggle her toes before, they used to curl under.

She’s got a normal range of movement in her foot. She also has a lot more sensation.

It has definitely been worth it.”

Molly’s operation took place on Tuesday last week.

She was discharged from the hospital five days on but is returning every day for physiotherapy and is expected to arrive home on November 12 to continue her rehabilitation at home.

“She has progressed a lot faster and a lot better than we expected,” added Becky.

“She has never been able to stand up in her walking frame with straight legs and flat feet before.

“In the past she would have had her splints on, which required stretches beforehand.

“It’s bizarre but amazing.

We can’t believe it makes this much difference.

“We are hoping she will be walking on crutches within a year. We just want to say a massive thanks for all the support we have received from people.”