You gave lad a ‘joyful life’

THE PARENTS of a little boy who yearned for “magic legs” like his twin sister said the generosity of Mirror readers has given him “a joyful life”.

Louie Elbourne, eight, had the same op to help him walk as twin sister Ava, after £70,000 was raised in only 24 hours.

The twins have cerebral palsy but while Ava was given surgery during a three-year NHS pilot in January 2016, Louie’s case was considered too complicated.

But Louie, from Hull, flew to St Louis in Missouri, US, for treatment that October after Daily Mirror readers and Variety, the Children’s Charity, stepped in to help.

He can now play football with dad, Phil, 41, using a walking frame and has a specialist bike so he can go out with pals.

Mum Emma, 39, said Louie had previously been “in constant pain and unable to do anything for himself ” but now describes the football and rugby-obsessed lad as the “happiest, funniest and cheekiest boy”.

Emma added: “We would really like to thank the Mirror readers for giving our children an active and joyful life.”

Phil said: “As a dad you always envisaged playing football with your son but all those hopes were sadly and cruelly dashed.

“So to see his little face light up as he kicks a ball is just magical.

“Louie has achieved milestones we never thought possible and wouldn’t have happened without the surgery. Watching him... able to do what most kids take for granted, really is truly amazing.”