A young Scots girl who underwent a life-changing operation in Poland has returned home to a newly adapted house that will help her gain independence.
Little Arabella Green, six, has a rare condition called arthrogryposis, which affects the joints and limits movement
We previously told of how Arabella, known as Ella, was told she would never walk but her dad took on the desperate fight to change her prognosis after she lost her mum Catherine, 27, to suicide on March 16, 2021.
William Green managed to raise the cash for a life-changing operation and Ella took her first steps in time for Christmas last year after undergoing surgery in Poland.
The pair are now over the moon after returning home to Bathgate and receiving the keys for a bungalow that has been adapted for Ella's needs by West Lothian Council.
Speaking to the Record, dad-of-two William, 35, said: "We have been fighting to get this home for 12 months.
"Getting the keys has lifted Ella's spirits already and she is really excited. It is absolutely brilliant and everything is accessible.
"Ella is excited as now she'll be able to do things for herself.
"I'm over the moon. I want a good life for Ella and this is a good foundation.
"Before we were basically living amongst clutter in one room.
"The house is now just the icing on the cake for my kids."
Their new home is a three bedroom bungalow with disabled access in every room.
With a "massive" hallway Ella, will be able to walk from one end of the home to the other and also has a specially adapted ensuite in her bedroom.
The kitchen worktops have also been lowered and William hopes Ella will be able to feed herself with a innovative Obi robotic feeder that he is now fundraising for.
The family are now looking forward to settling into their new home after a challenging few months and gruelling physiotherapy sessions in Poland.
William said: "Ella is really glad to be back as the last five/six weeks in Poland doing physiotherapy were really hard for her.
"It took its toll on her and she really struggled.
"But doing this has now opened up so many doors for Ella. Now we have a fresh start and a chance for her to rehabilitate properly.
"We couldn't have done this without everyone who has helped and everyone who has fundraised. Especially Councillor Charles Kennedy who really fought for Ella's rights.
"I hope this has helped raise awareness for disabled people and of arthrogryposis. Before this, there wasn't a lot of people who knew who that was.
"I hope Ella's story has helped to give disabled people a voice."
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