Appeal to help six-year-old

Ray and Alison Mangion, are appealing to the public for support to help their six-year-old son, Oliver Henry, who is currently undergoing a series of operations at Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Oliver was born with a rare chromosome translocation, resulting in major reduction deformities of all four limbs. He has already undergone five major operations on his hands. These have given him two fingers on each hand and improved his dexterity and function considerably.

Oliver has severe problems with his lower limbs, missing tibiae, length reduction, only one metatarsal and toe on each foot and the complex unusual growth of the other bones.

Reconstructive operations are to be held in the child's long-term future. These include bone lengthening, Ilizarov frames on both legs, below-the-knee amputation of the right leg and a toe-to-hand transfer.

The first phase of treatment was held last year when Oliver was operated on his two legs. Each day he undergoes painful exercises, including the stretching of his legs to prevent them from bending at the knees, and physiotherapy three times a day. The treatment is essential to strengthen his legs and bones. All operations have so far been successful.

Oliver is forced to wear steel frames on his legs which have to be screwed four times daily to allow his bones to re-grow. Due to this treatment, Oliver has already grown four centimetres taller.

In September the steel frames will be removed from Oliver's legs and will be followed by the amputation of one of his legs and a toe-to-hand transfer. He will also have to learn to walk using an artificial limb.

These operations are required to prevent the onset of arthritis, the curving of the spine, prevent his back from hunching and spending the rest of his life wheelchair-bound. But in the face of all that he is going through, Oliver has shown a tremendous willpower to get better.

The child's parents' stay in Oxford has been extended for over six months since the operations had to be spread out for safety reasons. They are very concerned that the funds they managed to collect while in Malta will not last them throughout their stay.

Mr and Mrs Mangion are calling on the public for help so that they can continue looking after their son. They said: "The Maltese are generous and without their financial help and encouragement, together with that of the government, Air Malta and many others, Oliver would not be the person he is now - happy and determined to be independent."

Donations my be made to Bank of Valletta account number 1790 6411 029.