Three years ago, Gillie couldn’t walk. Thanks to the care he received at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Gillie is now able to run around and play with his brothers.

Recently, the family went to Alexandra Gardens, to enjoy Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail and the sculpture, UooUoo Visiting My Garden by Lillian Carland.

Gillie was born with cerebral palsy which caused the muscles in his legs to tighten and twist inwards, making it difficult for him to take his first steps.

“As a toddler, Gillie would take a couple of steps and then fall down. We just thought he was doing it his own way, but we were referred to the RCH with a bit of uncertainty around what was happening. After a number of tests Gillie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. To find out your two-year-old may not be able to walk and will undoubtedly be in a wheelchair by the time he’s 18 was crushing,” said mum Sharon.

As he grew, Gillie’s condition worsened. He couldn’t walk without falling over. Gillie underwent intensive physiotherapy and was prescribed assisted foot orthotics to help him walk properly.

When regular physiotherapy and injections to relax Gillie’s muscles were no longer effective, RCH doctors recommended delicate neurosurgery which is so rare, it’s only conducted once every two years at the hospital.

Gillie’s surgery and 12 months of rehabilitation were successful and incredibly he’s now walking unassisted. Together, Gillie and his family can enjoy exploring Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail.

You can start exploring the art trail today! Learn more at www.uoouoo.org.au