A nine year-old boy who begged then first minister Nicola Sturgeon to help end his excruciating pain has finally received the long awaited operation.
Schoolboy Harvey Martin is nearly 4cm taller after his life-changing surgery, reports the Daily Record.
The nine year-old Celtic fan was placed on a waiting list for the surgery which would straighten his spine, which was crushing his organs and causing agonising pain. Last month a public appeal to raise awareness of Harvey's issue touched the hearts of many including then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who assured the nine year-old that a date for his surgery was on the way.
READ MORE: Glasgow back court bin collections to be replaced by on-street hubs in council shake up
During the operation medics discovered Harvey's fourth and fifth ribs were 2mm from touching his spinal cord, which would have ultimately led to paralysis. He had surgery at the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh last Friday.
Harvey's condition is known as neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition which causes growth on the nervous system. The growth has caused scoliosis on his spine and the curve worsened over time.
Amazingly, he was able to sit up the day after his surgery and was in the intensive care unit for two days to allow his body to recover after the trauma of a seven-hour operation.
Surgeons removed the heads of the fourth and fifth ribs before inserting metal rods to straighten his back. Harvey has managed to stand for a short time and walk while holding on to his physio.
Despite his determination, there is a long road ahead and Harvey will need a year to recover.
Unfortunately, he will not be able to return to his primary school in Largs, Ayrshire, until after the summer holidays.
Mum Natalie said: “He just needs to take it one day at a time. But he has had everybody in the hospital in stitches. He has certainly not lost his sense of humour.”
Yesterday he made his first big step forward by getting back home to Wemyss Bay. He is most looking forward to spending time with Natalie, dad Paul and his wee sister Emilia, who turned six while he was in hospital.
Once he is feeling better he will need new clothes to fit his straightened back, which has added 3.6cm to his height. His mum is looking forward to a full night’s sleep.
She said: “I haven’t slept properly in months worrying about him being in pain and not able to breathe.”
READ NEXT:
Glasgow man caught with three explosive devices under seat of car while out driving
Glasgow pensioner left a 'prisoner in own home' after breaking hip on 'loose' slab
Celtic vs Motherwell on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for Premiership clash
Glasgow Airport parking and hand luggage changes - everything you need to know
