Boy with cerebral palsy walks for the first time – in pictures _

  • Physiotherapist Blessy Koshy does some muscle strengthening exercises with Mohammed Amir, 8, who has cerebral palsy. All photos: Victor Besa / The National.
    Physiotherapist Blessy Koshy does some muscle strengthening exercises with Mohammed Amir, 8, who has cerebral palsy. All photos: Victor Besa / The National.
  • Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood.
    Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood.
  • Children with cerebral palsy require a great deal of support.
    Children with cerebral palsy require a great deal of support.
  • Ms Koshy does some muscle strengthening exercises with Mohammed.
    Ms Koshy does some muscle strengthening exercises with Mohammed.
  • Mohammed can now walk unaided.
    Mohammed can now walk unaided.
  • Ms Koshy helps Mohammed to strengthen his leg muscles.
    Ms Koshy helps Mohammed to strengthen his leg muscles.
  • Cerebral palsy is thought to be more prevalent among boys than girls.
    Cerebral palsy is thought to be more prevalent among boys than girls.
  • Mohammed has worked hard to get to where he is today on his mobility journey.
    Mohammed has worked hard to get to where he is today on his mobility journey.
  • Mohammed with Ms Koshy and his mother Amira Mukhtar, right, at Al Mushrif Children's Specialty Centre in Abu Dhabi.
    Mohammed with Ms Koshy and his mother Amira Mukhtar, right, at Al Mushrif Children's Specialty Centre in Abu Dhabi.
  • Mohammed and Ms Koshy give the three finger hand salute, coined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, symbolising win, victory, and love.
    Mohammed and Ms Koshy give the three finger hand salute, coined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, symbolising win, victory, and love.
  • Mohammed works on his exercises.
    Mohammed works on his exercises.
  • Cerebral palsy can cause muscles to become stiff, meaning movement is awkward.
    Cerebral palsy can cause muscles to become stiff, meaning movement is awkward.
  • Only about 50 per cent of children with cerebral palsy can walk independently.
    Only about 50 per cent of children with cerebral palsy can walk independently.
  • Mohammed is all smiles as he stands with his mother.
    Mohammed is all smiles as he stands with his mother.
  • Mohammed cautiously takes his first steps.
    Mohammed cautiously takes his first steps.
  • Mohammed can now walk for short distances unaided.
    Mohammed can now walk for short distances unaided.
  • Mohammed gives a big smile after walking unaided.
    Mohammed gives a big smile after walking unaided.
  • Mohammed's confidence has grown since he has been able to walk.
    Mohammed's confidence has grown since he has been able to walk.
  • Mohammed poses with Ms Koshy and his mother, Amira Mukhtar.
    Mohammed poses with Ms Koshy and his mother, Amira Mukhtar.