INSPIRATIONAL five-year-old Rupert Parsons, of Taunton, is getting used to award ceremonies, having met Prince Harry at the Child of Courage presentations in London recently.
When he was born, doctors gave him two weeks to live. He was born with holes in his heart, one kidney, a cleft palate an abnormal ear and eye and a severe lung condition for which he had to have a tracheotomy and now needs 24-hour ventilation.
He’s learnt to walk, defying doctors who said it would never happen. He’s started horse riding, is learning sign language and started mainstream school at Creech St Michael in September.
He was a winner in the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.
Rupert’s mum Franchesca said: “He’s done really well to get here. He’s up and walking and he loves it at school – it’s just amazing really.
“It’s really nice for him to be recognised for all he’s been through – he’s chuffed to bits!”
Click on the Related Link, right, for a Youth Awards photo gallery.
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