Luther's progress

His parents David and Lorraine say the therapy is helping to give Luther, now aged ten, independence, unlike conventional methods that focus on managing the disability.

"He is doing really well," said Mrs Frost-Barnes, of Cricketts Lane, Chippenham.

"He should not be able to ride a bike and pedal, yet he can. The treatment makes his muscles stronger and the difference is amazing."

Two years ago the Gazette launched an appeal to raise funds to help pay for the treatment.

Luther's parents had spent years trying numerous forms of treatments with little progress before embarking, in 2001, on a new Russian therapy with the hope that it would eventually help their son to walk unaided.

The treatment, called Advanced Neuromotor Rehabilitation (ANR), costs £9,500 a year and his parents believe it will take four years to complete.

It involves a programme of exercises that stimulate the weaker muscles to become more active.

Gentle compressions made on his back, chest and hips are designed to awaken the deeper muscles that are weak in cerebral palsy sufferers.

But it is a time consuming process. Luther currently has five hours of treatment each day, five days a week.

It is performed by his parents, who are taught a programme of exercises at special sessions several times a year. Luther's progress is also assessed at these sessions.

"We need to do 4,000 hours in total and we are aiming for 1,000 a year. It takes up a lot of time but it is worth it and we know we won't have to do it forever," said Mrs Frost-Barnes.

In the past Luther had physiotherapy and occupational therapy through the NHS. However the health service would not agree to fund the ANR therapy because it was so new.

The Gazette appeal helped to raise more than £2,000 towards his treatment, but now the money has run out.

"The pot has dried up completely," said Mrs Frost Barnes.

"We have to fund it ourselves and it is difficult because only my husband works. I spend my time teaching Luther at home."

Luther's parents have spent any spare money buying equipment to help him develop his strength.

They have had a swimming pool installed and Luther swims every day to strengthen his muscles.

Last Christmas his parents bought him a quad bike and this gives him greater independence and he is learning navigation and control skills.

"He is going to start sailing soon because my friends offered to teach him. I am absolutely terrified about it but I am sure he will love it," said his mother.

Meanwhile, two of Luther's friends, Amy and Jake Williams, organised a sponsored event at their Chippenham secondary school, Abbeyfield, to raise money for Luther and for the school.

The children donned fancy dress and walked around the school field at least 12 times, the equivalent of five miles.

Luther joined the children and drove around the field three times on his quad bike.

"It takes a lot of concentration and he can't see that well so he did really well to do three laps," said Mrs Frost-Barnes.

Although Luther is taught at home he interacts with many children and goes into Charter School, Chippenham, one day a week as a visitor.

"Everyone there knows him really well and loves him. As he gets older I hope he can also get involved with Abbeyfield," said Mrs Frost-Barnes.

If you would like to help Luther by fundraising or making a donation you should contact Lily Canter at the Gazette (01249) 654422 or e-mail lcanter@newswilts.co.uk.