Mother - Hazel’s story
A GP recognised the symptoms when Will was ten years old.
We decided not to tell Will what to expect, immediately. When we saw him struggling, we tried to make something easier for him. What is the point in saying, “Well, in two years’ time you’re going to be in a wheelchair forever?” A child won’t know what that means. A child is living for the day. It taught me not to be looking too much into the future.
Will has achieved all the way through. I think it is very important to do what you want to do – not just what the experts expect of you. We didn’t follow the advice of getting wheelchairs, and all of that. We did go out for walks, and we did do all these things that we were not supposed to. We have done so much!
We have been to different cities, walked in Paris and things like that – whilst Will was able to. They are the things that you remember.
As long as you are pushing to do what you want to do, there is happiness and there are proud parents, and a good outcome out of everything that has been thrown at you.
Family Advice
Don’t assume they can’t do it
Annabelle: It’s difficult to know how much to help. Sometimes it’s best to step back, and wait to be asked, rather than assuming they can’t do what they’re trying to do.