Prudhoe toddler Alby Morris determined to overcome muscular dystrophy

Nov 12 2009 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

DOCTORS said Alby Morris would never walk. But the youngster, from Prudhoe, Northumberland, is determined to prove them wrong.

At 18 months old, the brave toddler has already found his feet - and now his parents hope he can beat his debilitating condition.

Alby, who lives with mum Amy, dad Keith and baby sister Ava, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in June this year.

The condition, which is genetic, weakens Alby’s muscles and could also affect his heart.

Amy, who works as a occupational therapist and also runs her own wedding dress shop, said the diagnosis came as a huge shock for the family.

“I always knew, as a mum, that something was wrong,” the 31-year-old said.

“Alby would struggle to tip a cup up to drink, and he couldn’t push himself up from the floor if he was lying down.

“But it was still quite a shock to hear MD. At first we didn’t really know what it would mean.

“Most people are not diagnosed until they are teenagers, and because Alby is so young the doctors didn’t know how much it was going to affect him.”