FIVE-year-old Dean Edwards' first faltering steps mean more to his mother than most.

For Lynne Edwards had refused to give up hope after British doctors told her Dean - born with cerebral palsy - might never walk.

When Lynne, of Bangor Avenue, Bispham, heard about a surgeon in America who could possibly help Dean, she set about raising the £10,000 needed for the operation.

Thanks to magnificent fundraising efforts from her family and friends, and a donation from Dean's father's old regiment, Dean had the operation in Miami in March, and came home in April.

"I was told such operations had not been successful in Britain," said Lynne, "but this American surgeon had been doing them for ten years. Now it's just wonderful to see Dean getting better every day. He's walking unaided round the house and using crutches outdoors."

Dean, a bright, intelligent lad who goes to Highfurlong School, is now able to play with his twin brother Shane, who also has cerebral palsy but is only mildly affected, and big brother Karl, aged nine.

One man who is particularly delighted to see Dean's progress is Arthur Roe, divisional secretary of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association and Forces Help Society.

He helped arrange the £2,500 donation from the Royal Irish Hussars - former regiment of Dean's father, Mark - and the Army Benevolent Fund. The plane fares were provided by the Child Flight charity.

"I'm overjoyed SSAFA was able to contribute to such worthwhile and life-changing surgery," he said after watching Dean walk and play with his brothers.

"Seeing him makes all our efforts worthwhile."

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