A LITTLE boy who lost his legs when he contracted meningitis has taken his first steps.

Eighteen-month-old Louie Jenkins, of New Bath Street, Colne, has ‘astounded’ his family after starting to walk using prosthetic legs only a year after he had both legs amputated from below the knee.

Brave Louie also lost the fingers on his left hand and the tips of the fingers on his right hand after contracting meningococcal septicaemia.

His parents Julie, 30, and Warren Jenkins, 31, said they could not believe the progress that he has made in the past year.

Julie said: “It was only a year ago since we were told it was touch and go if Louie would survive. Looking back it is hard to believe how far he has come from having his legs amputated last February.

“We would never have thought that he would be able to walk across the room using a baby walker and is starting to walk around the furniture.

“Louie got his first pair of prosthetic legs in June and since he has been gradually wearing his legs more and is now wearing them for about two hours, two to three times a day.

“We have had to encourage him to start walking as now he can move very quickly when he’s not wearing his legs. At first I think he was a little frustrated because walking with the legs slows him down considerably. His big sister Francessca, six, has been a huge help supporting and encouraging him.

“We are astounded by the progress Louie has made. He is extremely determined and strong willed which is I think will take him far.”

The youngster has regular physiotherapy appointments to help gain strength and increase his mobility and is due to be given a stronger type of prosthetic legs next week to further improve his walking.

Louie’s family have set up the Little LAMB (Louie’s Amazing Meningitis Battle) Appeal to help buy equipment needed to support him as he grows.

They aim to be able to have enough money to buy specialist prosthetic legs at the cost of £7,000 per leg by the time he wants to take part in sports.

To make a donation email julie.jenkins1982@yahoo.co.uk