Molly returns home after US operation

Buy photos » Molly Grove is starting to walk with the aid of sticks after her operation. Picture by Marcus Mingins. 4612029MMR1

BROADWAY youngster Molly Grove had a huge smile on her face when she returned home following a life-changing operation in America.

The three-year-old was reunited with older brothers Harry and Louis and dad Richard at the family home in Station Road on Monday (November 12) after undergoing surgery at St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri which allowed her to walk for the first time.

Molly suffers from spastic diplegia cerebral palsy which caused a painful tightening in her legs. The complicated procedure was used to help reduce the tightness in her muscles and make it easier for her to increase her strength with therapy and exercise.

The operation was funded by a hugely successful fund-raising appeal which generated more than £64,000 cruising past the initial target of £55,000.

Molly's dad Richard told the Observer it was a great feeling to have her back home after collecting her and mum, Becky, from Heathrow Airport.

"It is amazing to have her back and this is like an early Christmas present for all of us," he said. "It was our middle child Louis' birthday on Tuesday so it was the perfect present for him.

"Molly is delighted to be back and on Monday she was keen to show us all her walking and did about 15 steps with a walking stick all on her own.

"To be able to do that after just four weeks since the operation is just fantastic. She is only going to get stronger and better now which is really good."

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