Brave two-year-old Holly Needham stronger after being treated with pioneering new treatment

Two-year-old Holly Needham

Holly Needham, 2, from Castleton, who was born with periventricular leukomalacia, has shown vast improvement since starting a new and pioneering treatment.

Periventricular leukomalacia is brain damage which causes severe problems to mobility and development and since starting the treatment twelve months ago, Holly's family have seen vast improvements.

Holly’s mum, Sarah Pickering said: “It is all a step in the right direction. She has responded well to the treatment and has made some good improvements.”

The treatment is known as ABR therapy and is given to Holly three times a year. Holly and her family have to travel to Glasgow for the treatment.

Sarah added: “We went to the doctors and we found out about this treatment from a nurse because her grandson was having the same treatment.”

Now with the help of the treatment Holly has shown improvements in her posture and strength.

“Her neck has come on a long way. She didn’t really have a neck before and now she has one. She can sit up now; before her body was generally floppy but now it seems to be a lot stronger because she is holding herself up more,” said Sarah.

Holly is also able to play, hold toys and eat. Before treatment Holly was eating through the use of a tube.

Holly used to be sick up to 20 times a day but has been put on medication to stop that and has had an operation to have the tube she used to eat through removed.

The treatment for Holly costs thousands of pounds and was funded after Sarah and Holly’s dad Tom made an appeal to the local community.

Sarah said: “The support has been brilliant. We never thought we would get the response that we did. We have had cheques for up to £500 and we can’t believe how generous people have been.”

Treatment will continue for Holly for as long as she needs it with Holly returning to Glasgow in June and November. Sarah now hopes that one day; Holly will be able to walk. “I hope she can walk one day. I know it might be a few years yet but that is something I hope for,” said Sarah.