Sophie Ridgway, 9, couldn't float in water let alone swim the length of a pool 18 months ago.

The St Peter Chanel Catholic School pupil has cerebral palsy, which affects muscle development and limits movement in her legs. continue reading

"My condition is called cerebral palsy. My kind of cerebral palsy is in my legs - that is why I can't walk very well. I use crutches and a walker and a wheel chair. They help me get around places.

"Sometimes it's hard having cerebral palsy because I have to have appointments and I miss out on my learning and that's not fair for me. I have injections of Botox in my legs. The Botox hurts so they have to put me to sleep with gas. I used to have Botox every six months and now I don't need it anymore because I can walk.

"I can go swimming and walk to my Nana and Granddad's house and to the mail box. I can ride a bike, I can play music, I can get a drink by myself and I can dress myself. I can't walk long distances and there are some exercises I can't do. I can do the stretch exercises that my physiotherapist gives me. I can draw and I can do most things that people without cerebral palsy do. You can help me by waiting for me at the door and by helping me up and down the stairs."

Read article in Welcom

• Image: Margaret Online