CHRISTMAS has come early for a brave Port Talbot youngster.
Cerebral palsy sufferer Cieran Jones, who was unable to stand unaided, is now walking tall on his own in time for his 5th birthday.
Thanks to a selective dorsal rhizotomy operation in America, Cieran is looking forward to a Christmas to remember with his twin brother Connor, mum Emma, and dad Neil.
Emma said the boys, who attend Rhos Afan Primary School, could not wait for their extra special Christmas at their Chrome Avenue home in Sandfields, and their 5th birthday celebrations which will be taking place today.
"They are so excited," she said.
"He has never been able to stand before.
"It is fantastic. I can't believe it.
"I couldn't ask for anything more this Christmas.
"He has always loved physical sports and now he is finding he is able to take part and play with Connor.
"They have been enjoying themselves playing outside in the snow and making snowmen.
"They can do so much more together now."
Emma said the operation which took place in October — made possible thanks to fundraisers helping them raise �60,000 over the summer — was a success.
"It went really well," she said.
"He can walk steady using sticks and he can walk around 15 steps in a row.
"I just can't believe it. I was a bit nervous and after the operation I was thinking if it had been the right thing.
"But I would recommend it. It has changed our lives.
"He is much happier."
The 30-year-old said they were stunned when Cieran stood up for the first time.
"We had been home for 10 days and he stood up on his own," she said. "Connor's face was a picture when he first stood up.
"I don't know who was more proud, Connor or Cieran.
"He has made excellent progress and has been getting better daily. He is getting stronger and stronger.
"We are trying to beat his score on the skiing on the Wii. On his first go he beat us all!"
Emma said she would like to give her heartfelt thanks to those who helped them raise the �60,000.
"I would like to give a special thank you to fundraisers Team Ruby for their help," she said.
"They are still keeping in touch now to see Cieran's progress.
"All in all they raised �25,000 for us.
"We have become friends now and we are going to help Team Ruby when they do any fundraising in the future.
"I would also like to thank everyone else who helped and supported us.
"They have given us the best Christmas present ever."
gill.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk
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