Freddy Williams is a bright, cheeky little boy with an infectious smile and a huge love of life.

In July 2025, Freddy became critically ill after developing a rare neurological condition called Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis, which caused severe inflammation across three areas of his spinal cord. Within 24 hours, he was fighting for his life.

Although Freddy survived, the damage to his spinal cord has left him with significant disabilities affecting all four limbs. He cannot walk or stand independently and lives with severe stiffness and weakness particularly on his right side and in his lower limbs. At just two years old, he faces challenges that no child should have to endure.

Yet if you met Freddy today, you would still see the such determination, curiosity, and sparkle in his eyes.

The first few years following a spinal cord injury are widely regarded as the most critical period for recovery and rehabilitation. During this window, the brain and body have the greatest potential to adapt, learn, and recover function. Being young has its advantages but also we need to prevent secondary complications such as contractures, worsening spasticity, joint problems and protecting his body as it grows (rapidly!)

This isn’t simply about helping him reach milestones. It is about giving him every possible opportunity to maximise his recovery, build independence, and prevent avoidable complications that could affect him for the rest of his life.

The reality is that the level of rehabilitation available through the NHS is not enough to meet Freddy’s complex needs during this crucial stage. One physiotherapy session a month cannot provide the intensity of support a child with a spinal cord injury requires.

Freddy is already working incredibly hard with specialist private physiotherapists, and their expertise is helping him make progress. However, to give him the very best chance of recovery, he needs access to a wider range of specialist therapies, equipment, and rehabilitation programmes. Most of these are simply not available through standard funding routes or charities.

Funds raised will help provide ongoing intensive physiotherapy, specialist rehabilitation programmes, mobility equipment, therapy aids, and other interventions recommended by the professionals supporting his recovery. These therapies are designed not only to help Freddy gain strength, movement, and confidence, but to maximise the opportunities available during this critical period of development. Unfortunately these are not luxuries but really important for his future independence and overall health.

To access the best specialist care, Freddy’s treatment has been transferred to the National Spinal Injuries Centre, more than three hours from home. The costs associated with caring for a child with complex needs have placed enormous financial pressure on the family.

Despite everything he has faced, Freddy continues to show remarkable courage. Every bit of movement gained, every new skill learned, and every small step forward is the result of extraordinary determination and countless hours of therapy.

We cannot change what happened to Freddy, but together we can help shape what happens next.

Your donation will help provide access to life-changing therapies, specialist equipment, and rehabilitation opportunities during the most important years of his recovery. Most importantly, it will help ensure that Freddy has every possible chance to reach his full potential and live the most independent future he can.

Thank you for being part of Freddy’s journey.