Galway boy (3) defies doctors – and walks!

A three year old Galway boy whose family were told he would never walk has confounded the medical experts . . . by taking his first four steps.

Little Mark Dolan from Ahascragh – who was born with a motor delay which primarily affected his lower extremities – took his first-ever steps after successful pioneering surgery in the US.

It was an emotional occasion for parents Fidelma and Kevin, who were told he would be confined to a wheelchair for life.

But they were determined to explore every possibility for their little son – and they are now home from Missouri after successful surgery.

A major fundraising initiative is ongoing to ensure Mark gets the best possible treatment and aftercare.

And now Galway’s world famous milliner, Philip Treacy, has designed a hat which will be among a plethora of prizes at a massive auction which is taking place in the village on Sunday, November 1.

The proceeds of this will go towards the intensive therapy that Mark will receive over the next two years at a clinic in Limerick.

For more on this story, see the Connacht Tribune.