Our Heroes: Smiling through tough times
AT 12-YEARS-OLD Ryan Lomas should be living a carefree life in the company of his friends.
Instead, the youngster cannot be left unattended, has to wear a helmet in case he hurts himself during an epileptic fit and lives on a cocktail of medication administered twice a day.
Ryan, of Norbury Court, in Leek, started suffering from epilepsy when he was two-years-old.
But he was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe and life-limiting form of epilepsy, at the age of seven and suffers from seizures several times a week.
He is currently on the waiting list for an operation in Manchester that could help to ease his illness, but until then it is life under the supervision of his mum Sue.
The 40-year-old said: "Ryan was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome when his epilepsy became uncontrollable and he was having so many different types of seizures.
"He has been on medication for the syndrome since December and that has stabilised him a little but he is still having them a few times a week.
"Before that, he would have seizures every day. I just hope the operation helps."
Ryan, a pupil at Springfield Special School, in Leek, cannot read or write and also has asthma.
He also has to have orthopaedic treatment for his feet and physiotherapy due to dropped arches and tight tendons, and is having to learn to walk with inserts in his shoes.
But he loves anything to do with Thomas the Tank Engine, music and watching dvds.
Healthcare assistant Sue Barsby has been helping Ryan's mum out with his care for around a year, and spends eight hours a week at their home.
She has nominated him as a Child of Courage in The Sentinel's Our Heroes awards for the way he manages to keep a smile on his face.
The 53-year-old mother-of-two, of Thorley Drive, Cheadle, said: "Ryan has such a lovely personality. He is a typical lad sometimes and can be cheeky and cheerful, but everyone is won over by his smile.
"After all the things he has been through in his life, he keeps on smiling.
"It's just a shame a kid should have to put up with things like he has had to."
Ryan's mum, who has four other children, added: "He deserves to be a Child of Courage for the way he just keeps on going.
"It is not fair that he is like the way he is."
Related links:
Our Heroes: Saving lives at home and away
Our Heroes: Student's credit for home work
Our Heroes: No stopping the nurse who wants to keep on giving
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