By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 13:49, Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Little Noah Wall continues to defy doctor’s expectations.

Michelle Wall and son Noah

The seven-month-old boy has spina bifida and hydrocephalus but despite his problems he continues to make progress on a daily basis.

Noah’s mum, Michelle Wall, 41, is backing a new campaign launched to raise funds for disabled children to help raise awareness of his condition and others like him.

Noah is one of the faces of Cash for Kids new campaign – the Helping Hand Appeal.

Mrs Wall, 41, said: “We want to raise awareness of spina bifida and of the importance for women of taking folic acid.

“Spina bifida sets in on the 14th day of conception – some women don’t even know if they are pregnant at that point and it’s pretty scary that it sets in that early.

“If we can make people aware of the importance of taking folic acid then that’s a good thing.”

Mrs Wall, of Abbeytown, was in Asda’s Kingstown store in Carlisle yesterday with Noah and his family to raise awareness of the campaign and of folic acid.

Noah, who is paralysed from the chest down, was born with his back open. Fluid in his head can’t go down his back so it builds up and he has a drain fitted to remove it.

“He will have that drain for the rest of his life.

“Every little thing is a miracle for Noah. He has so many hurdles to overcome so even opening his eyes each morning is brilliant and something doctor’s never thought he would do.

“The doctors don’t even know how he can see because he only has a small bit of brain at the front of his head.

“He has to have seven massages a day. The last one is at midnight and then we start again at 4am.”

Noah will need specialist care for the rest of his life.

Mrs Wall said: “Many of the things we need are expensive. We have a specialist list of items including a ramp, a lift and hoists.

“We’ve got a lot of fundraising to do.

“Any money raised through the Helping Hand Appeal will help children like Noah.”

Di Campbell, charity manager for Cash for Kids, said: “We know that times are hard at the moment for many families but the sad truth is that there are many children who need our support.”

To make a donation or find out more contact 01228 815506.

First published at 11:27, Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk