LITTLE Roxi Aldrich has taken her first steps.

Roxi, three, of New Town, Colchester, was born with cerebral palsy and faced spending her life in a wheelchair or relying on a walking frame to get around.

Her parents, Adi Martinkovicova and Joe Aldrich, launched a £50,000 fundraising campaign for life-changing surgery in 2013 and hit the target in 14 months.

Roxi had a six-hour operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in September, and now she is learning to walk.

Mum Adi, 34, said: “This Boxing Day was the three-month anniversary of Roxi’s surgery. They have been three very long, busy months.”

Adi said the days after the op were tough, but physios were soon encouraging her and Joe to touch their daughter’s feet.

She said: “The feeling is difficult to describe. It was just unbelievable.

“Roxi’s legs were always very stiff, her toes curled up with stiffness, her calf muscles were tight.

“These new legs were light as a feather and moved with such ease. At that moment it all came together.

“This was the moment we were waiting for and working so hard for.

We knew then we were on the right track.”

The surgery was only the first part of the success.

A week later Roxi started her intensive physio at the hospital, twice a day for one and a half hours.

Three weeks later she was ready to go home where she started private physio.

Adi said: “They have been using the latest technology, as well as the more traditional treadmill and situp exercises, to strengthen Roxi’s weak muscles and to teach her patterns of movement.

“Just before Christmas, Roxi had been doing about 15 minutes on a treadmill and also managed to stand up and stand unsupported for about three seconds. We can now walk with her holding hands which has always been our dream.”

Roxi has also been swimming regularly and is to return to horse riding this month.

Adi said: “We still have a long, long way to go as it usually takes about a year to see some major results. But we are taking one step at the time.

“We always knew this was going to take a long time, but seeing our little girl feeling happier is a reward enough.

“She is not achy, she is sleeping better and not in pain, able to cross her legs because they are not stiff.

“She is more confident, trying to stand up, starting to hold on to our hands and getting stronger every day.

“We cannot express how grateful we are to everyone who helped us pay for this truly life-changing surgery and for all those who continue to encourage, support us and share our excitement at the smallest achievements.

“We promise to work hard and make the most of this amazing opportunity.”