THE outlook seemed bleak for little Nicole Walker, when she was born three months premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

However, following therapy at a centre which helps children with brain injuries, disabilities and life limiting conditions, the six-year-old from Sutton has made remarkable progress.

Her limbs and head control were affected, meaning she was unable to sit, stand or walk. But thanks to the help she received at The Legacy Rainbow House, she can now sit unsupported for five minutes, stand for one minute and has taken two unsupported steps.

It was a massive emotional milestone for mum Nikki, 45, the first time her daughter looked up at her.

She said: “When she was first assessed at three, they looked at her joints, got her to stand, put her on the parallel bars and got her head up to look at me. I just burst into tears. Now she can take a couple of steps.”

The mum of two said Nicole visits the centre in Mawdesley near Ormskirk for five hours a week, where she receives conductive education, which includes massages, stretches and taught how to behave in a way most of us take for granted.

Nikki explained: “Whereas I would ask her to take a step, they will tell her to lift her left leg, bend her knee and bring your foot down.

“I am convinced that if she’d been walking on a frame by now if she’d have come earlier.

“There are so many children I could take you to see, including from St Helens, who have benefited.”

The charity, however, needs at least half a million pounds a year to provide the therapy needed for children to attend The Legacy Rainbow House.

  • A ball will be staged on Friday, July 6 at the Holiday Inn in Haydock, to raise funds for the centre and to ensure Nicole can still attend.

Tickets cost £45, which includes a three course meal, entertainment and drinks on arrival.

If you wish to make a donation, you can visit justgiving.com/Nicoles Appeal