A boy told he faced life in a wheelchair six years ago has a spring in his step as he turns 16 – thanks to Mirror readers. Cerebral palsy sufferer Ben Baddeley had a vital op axed in February 2014 under Tory cuts.
But after we highlighted his ordeal, readers raised the £20,000 needed to have it privately, and then helped cover his physio costs.
Hollywood actor Martin Sheen was so moved by our story he donated £2,000 and still sends Ben a birthday message every year. Ben’s mum Amy, 35, and dad Gary, 44, kept a video diary of his hard work building strength – including using an underwater running machine.
Now Ben, of Silverdale, Staffs, is doing GCSEs and will go to South Cheshire College to train as a chef. Amy said: “We can’t quite believe