A YOUNG boy born with defects in his spinal cord has just performed on a London stage with A list celebrities including Orlando Bloom, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and TV presenter Natalie Pinkham.
Leo Taylor, 13, of Old Town, was born with spina bifida, which is a condition where a baby’s spine and spinal cord doesn’t develop properly in the womb, which then causes a gap in the spine and can
lead to further problems later in life.
Due to his condition Leo was given the chance to attend a training camp alongside other children who suffer from physical or life limiting illnesses.
Children at the camp were able to spend time away from everyday life and to develop their confidence, self-esteem, coping strategies, and build relationships with others suffering similar
conditions.
The camp was run by national charity Over The Wall which offers free therapeutic camps for
children affected by serious illnesses.
Following the camp, Leo was chosen as one of six to represent the charity in a gala performance at the Roundhouse in London where more than 400 people gathered to watch singing and dancing alongside an all-star cast.
“It was amazing,” said Leo.
“I felt so exhilarated on stage. It was a long day and night but it was such a buzz, there was so much energy in the room.
“We all just got on so well. I’ve made friends for life we should go on tour.
“That would be awesome.
I wish the night never ended.
“At Over The Wall camp, everybody is treated with respect and made to feel the best that they can be. Sometimes you can feel a little bit down and it can hurt your self-esteem but at Over The Wall they focus on what makes everybody the same.”
Leo’s mum Jo Taylor said: “Watching him was incredible. There were no words to describe how proud I was of him and the confidence that he had to go on stage and perform was incredible.
“I was in tears throughout the whole of the performance just watching him.When we first talked about him going to camp on his own I was a bit worried to begin with but he has faced so many challenges and he’s faced them head on.”
