Last updated at 17:24, Wednesday, 03 October 2012

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy could be forced to miss out on a chunk of his childhood if he can’t find a pair of Wellington boots that fit.

Gabe Park, like any other school boy, enjoys playing with his friends.

But if he is unable to track down a pair of specially-made wellies, he might be forced to sit and watch.

The Millom youngster was born with six digits on each of his hands and feet but has had each of the extra digits removed.

However, following the operation, his toes have not grown normally, meaning he needs prescription footwear.

Mum Julie, 40, is concerned that her son’s lack of footwear could leave him to feel isolated from his friends as he is unable to join in with some play activities. The Year Two Millom Infant School pupil has had no problem in getting hold of specially-made school shoes but the search for wellies has been less successful.

Mrs Park, of Lonsdale Road, Millom, has now launched an appeal in a bid to make sure her boy isn’t left out.

She said: “My son needs made to measure footwear and the school curriculum requires a pair of waterproof boots for out of school activities.

“The school have been really understanding but because he’s not going to have wellies, he can’t participate.

“I don’t want him to miss out on anything but every company I’ve contacted have told me they can’t make made to measure wellies. There has got to be a company somewhere in this country that can help, I don’t care how far I have to travel.”

Mrs Park praised Gabe resilience following the death of his father when he was just three-years-old but said she is worried if he is unable to find a pair of wellies for her son, he might feel more isolated.

She said: “He has matured very quickly in life but I’m worried it’s just going to hit him if his friends are going off on activities and he has to stay behind.

“It was bad enough waiting since last April for a pair of shoes to be made – it took eight weeks.

“I don’t care where we have to travel, I just want to get hold of a pair of boots for him.”

First published at 16:09, Wednesday, 03 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk