THE dreams of four-year-old twin boys are coming true after one of them successfully went through a five-hour operation to help him walk again.

Miracle twins, Austin and Freddie, from Thorpe Bay, who were conceived through IVF, were born at 25 weeks and given a 10 per cent chance of survival.

But little Austin had additional obstacles to get through after he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy – mainly affecting the use of his legs.

In June mum and dad, Charlotte and Bradley Winstanley, launched a campaign to raise a massive £75,000 to fund specialist surgery for Austin, known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) – an operation used to improve muscle stiffness in cerebral palsy.

At the time, the surgery was not available on the NHS but in November Austin was selected to be put forward for the surgery after bosses decided the operation could be funded after all.

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The £43,000 raised so far for ‘Austin’s Next BIG Step’ will go towards Austin’s long-term physiotherapy which he will need for the rest of his life, and is essential for the ongoing success of the SDR operation.

After a gruelling three weeks in hospital, including physio twice a day, the “little warrior” has finally been discharged and even rode a bike with twin, Freddie, along the seafront on Sunday.

Dad Bradley said: “We’ve had a lot of experience of long stays in hospitals but this was the toughest experience yet and tougher than we expected.

“Austin has come on so well and amazed every one of his physios in true ‘Austin style’.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster and rehab for Austin is hardcore and intense.

“But he is a little warrior – he just takes it and does everything with a smile.

“His school has been amazing. He gets one-to-one support and is back at school full-time in his wheelchair. He is already starting to use his frame.”

The long-term goal is that Austin will walk independently.

The proud dad also hailed “unsung hero” Freddie for his unwavering strength.

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