Hartlepool yoiungster Alfie Smith on the mend after op

The Hartlepool youngster is recovering after undergoing surgery which will help him to walk unaided for the first time.

The nine-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) at Leeds General Hospital.

The procedure involved Alfie’s back being cut open so that tests could be carried out on the nerve fibres running from the muscles to the spinal cord to find which ones most reduce his mobility, then dividing them to reduce stiffness and spasticity. The operation took between five and six hours.

The ‘Help Alfie Walk for the First Time’ Facebook page shared a picture of him recovering in bed: “Alfie has managed to finally eat something at lunch time and keep it down,” it said.

“His favourite jacket potato with cheese and a choc milkshake.

“The doctors have been round, they are going to take bloods and hope to start taking him off some of the machines tomorrow if he continues to make progress.

“We might start to see that smile creeping back soon.”

People took to the Hartlepool Mail’s page to send Alfie their best wishes after we reported that the surgery had gone according to plan.

Linda Foster wrote: “Brilliant news, hope you have a speedy recovery Alfie x” and Karen Miller said “Great news get well soon Alfie xx.”

Plenty of readers were impressed by the youngster’s bravery in the face of difficult surgery.

Angela Pounder wrote: “Well done Alfie. ..what a superstar,” while Abbie-leigh Raw said “Well done Alfie such a brave little boy xxx”

Zoe Kirby and Lorraine Harrington were delighted with the news: “Pleased to hear the operation was a success. Well done Alfie, have a speedy recovery,” said Zoe, while Lorrane added: “Best news I’ve heard in a long time. So so happy . Get well soon Alfie. Xxxx

Alfie’s aunt Melanie Stalley sent the family’s thanks to everyone for their support: “Thanks everyone -Alfie is a little poorly at minute but I’m sure he will bounce back,” she wrote.

“He always does.”