LITTLE Lewis Prior strides out in preparation for an epic sponsored walk.

A 2km walk might not seem like a long way to many youngsters – but for Lewis, it is a miracle.

His devoted parents Katie Hyam and Matt Prior were told by doctors he might never be able to walk.

But determined Lewis has proved them wrong and is set to take on the challenge to raise funds for the group which has helped his family.

Katie said: “Lewis has hypotonia and global developmental delay. We also believe he might have autism and have an assessment soon.

“His was quite a traumatic birth and we are not sure if that was instrumental or if his problems are genetic.

“He goes to Colchester General Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

“We were told he might never walk because his muscles are so weak.

“He could not lift his head at six months and was only able to sit up when he was a year and a half old.

“I took him to children’s groups but the other children would just trample over him.

“I took him to a sensory group but it was all babies there and he was two years old.

“It was horrible.

“I felt so alone and got quite depressed about it.”

But a friend told Katie about Parc, a charity based in Braintree which provides play and recreation facilities for children who require additional needs.

Katie, of Chinook, Highwoods, Colchester, said: “They have become like a second family to me.

“You are not made to feel different there, you are made to feel special.

“They are incredible, my lifeline.”

Lewis, who is three years old, has regular physiotherapy and has splints to hold his ankles firmly.

He took his first steps last year and now has a frame with wheels on it to help him get around.

Katie, 31, a nurse at Colchester General Hospital, said: “I am so proud of him.

“He is inspiring.

“He got his walker with wheels and now he is whizzing around.

“We go around Tesco’s supermarket and he is off.

“He has amazed us all.

“When we first went to Parc in June, 2014, he was dragging himself along the floor.

“He could not say anything and was a frustrated child.

“I was at my wit’s end with the whole situation.

“He has come on in leaps and bounds since he has been at Parc.

“They give us advice on day-to-day matters, help us with ideas and you don’t feel alone any more.”

Youngsters from Parc will don fancy dress as they embark on the superhero mini marathon at Great Notley Country Park on April 24.

Katie said: “We want to raise as much money as we can to give something back.

“They will have to stop half way round but it is just amazing he is doing it at all.”

To support Lewis, go to the justgiving website and search for Katie Hyam.

For more information about Parc see parc-essex.co.uk