World Cerebral Palsy Day Takes Place On 6 October

The family of an eight-year-old boy from Bingley, Bradford, who has cerebral palsy have spoken out about how a range of support is helping him to make significant progress and get the very best from life.

Isaac Johnson was born via an emergency caesarean section in July 2011 due to a growth restriction caused by problems with the placenta. He later underwent an MRI scan which confirmed that he had spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

The condition means Isaac faces a range of challenges every day, including specific problems with his mobility and cognitive development.

However, he has been able to make significant progress thanks to a range of therapies and support and, with World Cerebral Palsy Day coming up on 6 October, his family are speaking out about the therapy and surgery which is having a major impact on his life.

They are being supported on their journey by specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell.

Expert Opinion

“Isaac has faced a host of difficulties through the years due to his cerebral palsy but he has gone on to make truly incredible progress.


With World Cerebral Palsy Day approaching, we felt it was a great opportunity to share Isaac’s story and how a range of different therapies and support is ultimately ensuring he can get the very best from life.


He is a fantastic boy and we are delighted to be able to support him and his family as they work to increase his independence and help him to continue to make major strides.”
Ross McWilliams - Partner

In recent years, Isaac has benefitted from a host of different support. As well as receiving speech and language therapy, he has also received occupational therapy, intensive physiotherapy and assistive technology support designed to enhance his learning at school. In addition, there are plans to support him with an application for an Education and Health Care Plan which will help him further.

Isaac has also recently undergone selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery at Leeds General Infirmary under the care of Mr John Goodden, Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon. The aim of this surgery is to improve lower limb function and mobility by reducing tight and stiff muscle tone. In Isaac’s case this has been a huge success and his mother Rachel Helm has blogged about his journey with the treatment.

She said: “It was hard receiving the news that Isaac had cerebral palsy, but we have felt incredibly fortunate that he has been able to access such a range of different support.

“SDR in particular has had an amazing impact and we were supported every step of the way by some amazing hospital staff. It really has made a major difference and we have definitely seen an increase in his self-confidence and motivation.

“While he continues to face some challenges, we felt it was important to speak out on World Cerebral Palsy Day about the help that is out there and the ways that children like Isaac are still able to get the best from life. He has made amazing progress and we are so proud of everything that our little boy has been able to achieve.”

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