Viewers of BBC Two's popular show Hospital were left outraged after the NHS refused to fund surgery for a wheelchair-bound teenager.
The 15-year-old - known only as Thomas - has quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy but does not fit the strict criteria for the life-changing operation selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), which helps relieve muscle stiffness in a sufferer's legs.
Thomas' condition has robbed him of the ability to stand and causes him to endure such painful cramps he can barely sleep.
His parents, Helen and Neville, were forced to fundraise £29,000 for their son to have SDR at Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, and to pay for his physiotherapy.
Since going under the knife, Thomas is finally able to stand and feed himself.
BBC Two Hospital revealed the story of 15-year-old Thomas (pictured), who is unable to stand due to his cerebral palsy. He falls short of the funding criteria to have a spinal op - selective dorsal rhizotomy - on the NHS, despite the procedure having the potential to change his life
Thomas' mother, Helen (pictured), read a poignant poem called 'Welcome to Holland' on last night's episode, which describes what it is like to raise a disabled child
The programme explained how the NHS only funds the operation for children between the ages of three and nine who have some ability to walk.
According to Great Ormond Street hospital, 'children suitable for SDR need to demonstrate adequate muscle strength in the legs and trunk.
'They are usually able to stand up and support their body, hold their posture against gravity and make appropriate movements to crawl or walk.'
Quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy is the most severe form of the condition and causes sufferers to not be able to use their legs, arms and bodies.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects a patient's movement, motor skills and muscle tone.
It affects around one in 400 children born in the UK to some extent.
In the US, approximately 8,000-to-10,000 infants are born with the condition each year.
Quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy is generally caused by brain damage before, during or shortly after birth.
This may be due to infections, toxin exposure or medical negligence.
Symptoms include:
Muscles that rapidly contract and release Joints that cannot stretch or move Muscle tightness and tremors Speech impediments An inability to walk Seizures Cognitive issuesSufferers may develop limb and foot deformities, as well as curvature of the spine.
Swallowing and respiratory difficulties can also occur.
Treatment includes medication and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Surgery may also be necessary.
Source: Cerebral Palsy Guidance
The surgery involves opening a patient's spinal canal and 'subdividing sensory nerve roots' that cause spasticity in the legs.
Thomas' neurologist recommended the teen have the operation, his parents wrote on his JustGiving page.
Research has shown the procedure is most beneficial to younger children, but lead SDR surgeons are gathering data to demonstrate it can also help older patients.
Alder Hey Hospital is one of only five centres in the UK to perform SDR.
'There is a spectrum for spasticity that goes from 1-to-5,' Thomas told viewers.
'Unfortunately 4s and 5s aren't capable of having it [SDR] funded for them because they are too tight and they wouldn't be able to walk.
'So the NHS sort of says, "whats the point in funding it for them?"
'It makes me feel happy for the people who have SDR, but at the same time, angry because I am like, why aren't you realising if we are higher on the spectrum [of spasticity] we are having more pain?'
Viewers were equally outraged and took to Twitter to express their rage.
One said: 'Tell me how on earth the NHS cant fund this when it wastes billions on drug addicts, smokers,... the list goes on! They get priority over young lads like this!! DISGRACE [sic].'
Another added: 'Kid is in pain but no funding for his operation. What?'
Thomas' mother said: 'I would just really like the
