It's September - a sad time for millions of kids around the world, because it means that summer vacation is finally over. Yes, after weeks of glorious freedom, children everywhere are now going to have to trudge sadly back to the classroom and prepare for the boring drudgery of exams, homework and gym class. Urgh. I'm now a grown man, but I can still recall perfectly the total dread I experienced at the last day before term resumed, and my slow walk back through the school gates. I wasn't particularly in a hurry to stride into my lessons you see.
But for one little girl, her walk to school has ended up melting the hearts of thousands of social media users. Indeed, her walk to school might just be the most important she's ever taken in her life, and once you know the story behind the footage (which you can check up below) I'll guarantee that you'll end up getting just a little bit weepy.
Four-year-old girl Millie Hughes was filmed by he mother Natalie walking to school on her very first day. For most kids, this would be a milestone unto itself. But for Millie the occasion was even more noteworthy due to the fact that she was born with cerebral palsy, a brain condition which limits her motor skills and mobility. With her twin brother Evan, Millie can be seen walking unaided for the very first time - which is pretty impressive when you think about it.
Commenting on the adorable footage, Natalie stated: "Millie was so determined and wanted to do it. It makes me cry every time I watch that video. Evan was encouraging her, you can see his little feet in the clip and hear him ask, ‘Shall I get your sticks or a toy?’ It’s really sweet. It makes me really, really proud. She’s come so far with all her physio and Evan always wants to help her. It’s just nice to see him be there for her and wants her to walk as much as she does. They love each other very much and he’ll ask, ‘Are you ok, Millie?’ and try and help her. "
She added: "When we go to the park he makes sure she has a good time and pushes her on the swing which is lovely to see. Yesterday was her first time walking in public unaided, something made possible by an intensive strength and conditioning course at specialist therapy centre Walk This Way in Perth. She’s struggled with confidence so I’m hoping our next visit there will really help. She’s now able to do things she couldn’t do before the operation and is smashing it – I’m so proud of her."
Millie has recently had more than £32,000 worth of surgery and months of physical therapy to help ease her condition, including a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) operation aimed at increasing her mobility by affecting the nerve systems in the lower back that control limb movement. Personally, I'd like to wish Millie a great first term at school: I'm sure she has a bright future ahead of her.
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