- Noah Stephenson was eight months when he got meningitis septicaemia
- Lost fingertips and toes and had to have left leg amputated
- But has now had prosthetic limb fitted and is now walking
06:22 EST, 14 April 2014
|
09:01 EST, 14 April 2014
A little boy who lost his left leg to meningitis can finally run about with his brother after getting a prosthetic leg.
Noah Stephenson, from Barry, South Wales, is able to chase Zak around the garden – huge progress from last March when he was seriously ill in hospital.
Aged eight months, Noah fell ill at home – his body was ravaged with meningitis septicaemia.
Two-year-old Noah Stephenson with brother Zak, 4. Noah lost his left leg to meningitis but has now been fitted with a prosthesis
As
he battled to fight off the deadly virus, his body lost circulation to
some of his limbs, causing him to lose finger tips and toes. Worse, his left leg
had to be amputated below the knee.
His father Gareth, 34, said: ‘It was heartbreaking to see our baby in so much pain. We knew he was going to lose his leg when it went black.
‘We were sobbing and scared but we knew the doctors were trying to save his life and that was all that mattered.
‘We were so relieved that he had survived and just hoped he’d live as normal life as possible.’
When Noah came out of hospital his parents had no idea what would happen to the blackened fingers.
At just eight months old, Noah fell ill with meningitis septicaemia and is lucky to be alive today
As he battled to fight off the deadly virus, his body lost circulation to some of his limbs, causing him to lose finger tips and toes. His left leg also had to be amputated below the knee
Mr Stephenson said: ‘They actually started falling off. Zak picked one up and thought it was a woodlouse – but Noah coped very well.
He said that having been fitted with the prosthesis, ‘Noah is walking, and trying to jump and run around like any normal boy his age would.’
Noah’s father, Gareth, said: ‘We knew he was going to lose his leg when it went black’
He added that he and his wife, Nicki, 38, are amazed by their son’s fast recovery.
‘Noah didn’t need the physiotherapy to learn to walk, amazingly he did that all by himself.
‘He’s now on his second prosthetic and will soon get his third.
‘He and Zak are inseparable, and I know it is their close bond that has helped Noah to walk with his new limb so quickly.
‘It’s great knowing that Noah will be able to lead a normal life, now that he’s up and running with his prosthetic – even though he’s not even two until July.
“He could go on to achieve anything – I’m sure he’d like to think he could rival Usain Bolt.Â
‘It’s hard to believe he’s gone through so much but he’s such a happy little boy you would never know.
‘He’s
got his whole life ahead of him now and I’ve started a charitable fund
for him for his future specialist prosethics or treatment he may need.’
In September, Mr Stephenson will cycle from John O’Groats to Lands’ End to raise money for charity
He said: ‘We’ve started training but there’s quite a bit to do as we will travel 1,000 miles in 10 days – and we’re still on the look out for sponsors to help with the costs of the challenge.’
Wendy Holloway, press officer from Meningitis Now, said: ‘For such a little lad poor Noah’s been through a lot, but we’re thrilled he’s fighting back against meningitis so positively and is making such good progress.
Having been fitted with the prosthesis, Noah is walking, and trying to jump and run around like any normal boy his age would, his father says
‘It’s hard to believe he’s gone through so much – but he¿s such a happy little boy you would never know,’ his father added
‘We wish him and the rest of his family all the best for his continuing recovery.
‘His story highlights why we have always fought so hard for the research and introduction of meningitis vaccines, and why we were so pleased when Government said recently that a Meningitis B vaccine would be introduced, subject to agreeing the price.
‘Sadly, though, people like Noah will continue to fall victim to meningitis, and this is why we will not stop until there are vaccines to prevent all strains of the disease.
MENINGITIS: THE SYMPTOMS
Early signs can be similar to ‘flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
More
specific signs include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness,
confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a
rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
‘In
babies, symptoms can also include being floppy and unresponsive,
dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, an unusual, moaning cry and a
bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).
‘The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to learn the signs and symptoms – and seek prompt medical attention if you suspect meningitis.
‘Early signs can be similar to ‘flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
‘More specific signs include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
‘In babies, symptoms can also include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, an unusual, moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).
‘Knowing the signs and symptoms, trusting your instincts and getting medical help immediately can save lives.’
For more information visit www.meningitisnow.org. or www.gofundme.com/2iyhc8
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The comments below have been moderated in advance.
shevf,
manchester,
1 hour ago
Aww would you just look at his happy lil face how lovely.
pinkchokylat,
scotland, United Kingdom,
1 hour ago
Awww what a gorgeous little man, proof that life isnt over when you lose a leg (something i have taken three years to realise) his parents must be so proud and relieved, good luck for the future xxx
Redkite,
UK,
1 hour ago
Lovely to see him running around and smiling happily, bless him! What an awful time he must have had.
Bubbles,
Berkshire, United Kingdom,
1 hour ago
More stories like this!! Brave little lad
Jay_92,
Lincolnshire,
2 hours ago
His smile says it all
Kitty_lat,
Hemel hempstead, United Kingdom,
2 hours ago
What a cute little boy. He is adorable. Best of luck for the future.
Baz3,
London,
2 hours ago
Chuffed for him, kids got a wonderful smile! Well done NHS and doctors for saving his life!
Chrissie,
Accrington Lancashire, United Kingdom,
2 hours ago
Awww what a little hero.
SriLankan,
Kandy, Sri Lanka,
2 hours ago
My heart does see this little one as my own son. May god bless this child forever.
Gail,
London, United Kingdom,
2 hours ago
Once again very few comments that mention some sort of support for the young boy. If he had been the child of a celebrity, DM readers would be wailing in the streets.
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