A three-year-old boy has stood up with the help of support for the first time after becoming one of Britian's youngest stroke victims at just 19 months old.
Ronnie Kerman was found lifeless in his cot by his 40-year-old father, Phil, and has spent the past 16 months in and out of hospital.
Doctors discovered a cancerous tumour and cysts on his brain, caused by a genetic disorder, which had led to a stroke by cutting off his blood supply.
The family said it was their 'worst nightmare' and he went on to have a string of surgeries and chemotherapy.
Ronnie, who has a twin brother, Robert, has lost most of his vision and the use of his legs following the stroke.
His family, including mother Louise, are praying that his cancerous brain tumour has shrunk considerably, or even better, gone completely. They await the latest scan.
Despite a long battle ahead, Ronnie seems to be responding well to treatment, and after intense rehabilitation sessions, is able to put weight on his feet.
Ronnie Kerman, pictured with his twin, Robert, and five-year-old sister, Emily, was found lifeless in his cot in March 2018 having suffered a stroke. He has stood with support for the first time since after having intense rehabilitation sessions
Ronnie Kerman, pictured in hospital, is standing with support for his back 'unaided'
Parents Phil and Louise Kerman said Ronnie is responding well to chemotherapy treatment for a cancerous tumour on his brain caused by a genetic disorder
Ronnie (left), who has a twin brother, Robert (right), lost most of his vision and is unable to walk or talk after losing the use of his legs. Pictured at their home in Bransholme
Mr Kerman, of Bransholme, said: 'We thought it was absolutely fantastic, we're over the moon to see Ronnie standing. Stood there next to his twin brother Robert and Emily was such a lovely thing.
'He is weight-bearing on his feet so he will need to build his muscles up, but has support for his back, but he is standing.
'It's a first step, but it is vital in his recovery process.'
Ronnie was found 'unresponsive' and 'floppy' in his cot in February 2018. Phil had recognised the signs that he had a stroke from a TV advert.
At Hull Royal Infirmary, doctors decided to transfer Ronnie to Leeds General Infirmary, where the family were told he had a genetic disorder.
Ronnie is thought to have inherited neurofibromatosis from his father, who has a milder form of the disease.
He had stents placed in his brain to drain the growth, which halved the size of the tumour and left a huge scar on his head.
But the although the stents were successful, the surgery thinned the arteries that provide blood to Ronnie's brain, putting from at risk of further strokes.
Ronnie had stents placed in his brain to drain the growth, which halved the size of the tumour. But he also needed an 11-hour operation in October and chemotherapy. Pictured in hospital
Neurofibromatosis is the name of a group of conditions that cause lumps to grow on the coverings of nerves.
There are two main types, the most common being Type 1 or NF1. It affects around one person in 3,000 to 4,000. There is no known cure.
NF is caused by a mutation in one of the genes. About half of the people who have NF have no family history of the condition.
This is called a spontaneous gene mutation. The other half of people will have inherited NF from their mother or father.
Some sufferers are affected by neurofibromas, which usually appear during adolescence.
These may first appear on the skin as a purplish mark, before a small fibrous lump appears.
They can also grow along deeper-seated nerves inside the body, which can be painful
