John’s a little boy with the right attitude — he’s taking cerebral palsy in his stride

THERE are many things that John Bishop can’t do. The physical limitations are the consequence of cerebral palsy which tightens the muscles in his legs.

THERE are many things that John Bishop can’t do.

The five-year-old can’t run, he can’t kick a football with his Edwardstown Primary classmates, and he can’t sit on the ground because crossing his legs is impossible.

At night the pain in his legs can be so unbearable he calls out to his parents complaining that “the bees are stinging his legs”.

These physical limitations — and the “bees” — are the consequence of cerebral palsy which tightens the muscles in his legs and can sometimes cause painful spasms.

“John struggles with everyday activities such as getting into and out of the car, getting dressed and even sitting on the floor with legs crossed,” his mother, Kate, 38, of Ascot Park, said.

“He can do some independent walking but it doesn’t take much for him to fall over.”

John, who was born 10 weeks premature on Christmas Day in 2008, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was one year old.

He relies on a walker to “bounce along” on his toes in a shuffle, which Mrs Bishop compares to “you or I trying to run a marathon in a pair of high heels”.

But despite his disability his parents say he has been a positive force in their lives and have nominated him for a Pride of Australia medal in the Child of Courage category.

“When you meet him you’ll see that he’s a pretty special little boy; he’s got a bit of attitude which is good,” Mrs Bishop said.

“He’s very happy and resilient and he pretty much takes it all in his stride.

“He has taught us in his approach to disability is to get on with it and make the most of the situation.”

She said schoolmates have made a really “big effort” to make him feel welcome at the school, by including him in activities, helping him with his bag at the end of class and simply holding his hand when he has to walk somewhere.

But now the family need even greater support to help raise another $20,000 to reach a $70,000 goal so John can undergo Selective Doral Rhizotomy surgery at the St Louis Children’s Hospital in the US in December.

The operation involves cutting nerves in the back to relieve the “spasticity” in the muscles, and coupled with intense physical therapy, will allow him to improve the strength, balance and flexibility he needs to be more independent.

“As a mum and family we will do whatever we can to have this surgery because it will change his life,” Ms Bishop said.

Nominations for Pride of Australia close on Saturday. Visit advertiser.com.au/pride

To help John get to the US, donate at www.gofundme.com/8hxklc