Julian's story

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Julian was born 3 months prematurely. He weighed 1kg (2.2 lbs.) Intensive care for one month and spent the next two months in the neonatal unit. Released on his due date.

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He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one. Spastic diplegia. The condition mainly affects his left leg, but it radiates to much of his body. His muscles are always tight. Because of the tightness in his legs, his biggest challenge is in maintaining a stable balance.

Julian has done physio every single day of the year—sometimes three times a day. Since he was one, he has missed only 25 days of physio. On top of the more than approximate 4,500 hours of physiotherapy and training throughout the years he has also undergone a multitude of medical treatments and therapies; dry needling, botox, osteopathy, acupuncture, functional electrical stimulation, meditation, and hypnosis.

Apart from the regular physio, over the years he also has weekly osteopathy sessions, which have helped him incredibly.

For more than a year now he also does weekly training sessions with Mike Poole at Walk This Way Oxford.

 

As well as his AFOs, Julian wears a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device. This device sends an electric impulse into his muscle to help him flex his ankle at the right time promoting better dorsiflexion and improved gait.
 

Over the past 4 years Julian has grown at least 10cm a year, which makes it an added physio challenge trying to keep his flexibility and physical ability in par with his growth.
 

Julian’s strong will, character, humour and determination have made it possible for him to still be as able as he is today. His disability doesn’t slow him down.  We admire him beyond anything. He is our inspiration.