A REVOLUTIONARY invention, which is helping wheelchair-bound children to walk, will soon be used by an East Yorkshire youngster. Claire Stockton will see her eight-year-old son Finley walk for the first time thanks to the Upsee.
Finley, who has an undiagnosed condition that means he has the mental age of an 18-month-old, has never experienced simple joys such as kicking a football. But when the new invention arrives at his west Hull home, he will be able to stand upright and walk.
The harness, which attaches to an adult's legs and holds the child next to them, was invented by Debby Elnatan for her son, who has cerebral palsy.
It made international headlines when it went on sale in March and has been dubbed a "revolution" by parents of disabled youngsters.
"I think there will be a few tears when he first uses it," said Claire, 41.
"It will be a life-changing thing for him.
"He'll get that feeling of what its like to walk for the first time.
"He'll be able to kick a ball with his dad and know what the sensation of walking up and down stairs feels like.
"We're so happy we've been able to get one for him. I know it'll be a tear-jerking moment when we use it for the first time."
Claire, the founder and patron of The Echoes Foundation, says the charity will also be acquiring the equipment.
It means families with disabled children in this region will be able to try out the harness before buying it.
Claire said: "My husband Carl just ran the Manchester Marathon and raised money through sponsorship.
"So we've been able to use some of the money to buy one for The Echoes Foundation.
"I had confirmation from them the other day that Finley's is ready, so we're hoping it will just be a couple of days now before it arrives.
"It is only £269 minus the VAT, so it really is affordable. You'd think something this good would be thousands of pounds.
"It is incredible and will help so many families."
Debby, a music therapist, came up with the concept to help her son Rotem.
After a global search for a company to mass-produce her Upsee, the Israeli mother chose manufacturer Leckey in Northern Ireland, which has a long history of making equipment for children with special needs.
Successful trials were held with families in the UK, US and Canada, before the Firefly Upsee was launched globally in March this year.
Claire, who lives in west Hull with husband Carl, 43, Finley, eight, and daughter Lauryn, 14, is also helping organise an Echoes Foundation trip to a music and arts festival.
Disability Rocks is being held in Ilkley Moor and two coach-loads of families from the Hull area will be travelling over for the day on Saturday, June 7.
One coach is already full, but tickets are still on sale for the other coach. The coach and entry is £8 per person.
The coach will leave at about 9am and arrive back in Hull for about 9pm.
The festival is totally disability-friendly and even has a wet room for people to use.
Anyone interested in tickets should call The Echoes Foundation on 01482 505589.
• Visit the Echoes Foundation website.
