Harry walks into school with your help

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THIS is the picture his parents thought they would never see as little Harry Mitchel walked through the gates on his first day at school.

Less than two years ago, Harry could barely sit up for longer than two minutes but now thanks to the generosity of Redditch residents and businesses, he is standing and walking with the help of only a frame and has now started at Matchborough First School alongside older brother Shaun.

Over £40,000 was raised to ensure the four-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, could travel to America in March 2011 for a life-changing operation to reduce the spasticity in his legs.

Dad Mark told the Standard the operation had given him 'the chance of a brighter future'.

"We are really happy he has been able to go to mainstream school, without the operation that wouldn't have happened. It has opened up a lot more doors for him and will continue to do so.

"The school has been really supportive and so has the local authority, they are providing all the relevant equipment to enable him to be included in all aspects of normal school life.

"He had a really good first day and it was all down to having the operation and the support we got from everyone in Redditch."

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