This time last year four-year-old Abdullah Rafiq was unable to use his legs.
Now the youngster, who has Cerebral Palsy, is getting a step closer to being able to walk every day thanks to his new specialist therapy tricycle.
His father Kamran, 30, said Abdullah was diagnosed with the condition after he took him to the doctors at the age of 18-months-old, amid concerns he hadn't yet learnt how to walk.
Since then Abdullah has been unable to use his legs, with all the movement coming from his arms and hands. As a result his family have to carry him wherever they go.
Last week, children's charity Caudwell Children provided the four-year-old with a specialist therapy tricycle that will allow Abdullah to exercise and stretch out tight muscle groups with regular use.
Mr Rafiq, of Sneinton, said: "Sometimes when his sister goes outside to play he starts crying but now the tricycle means Abdullah can join in as well.
"It will make a big difference to his social interaction and at the same time it will help to improve the mobility in his legs. He is already getting stronger day by day and my aim is for him to start walking; that will be a major achievement."
Mr Rafiq, whose son has been nominated for the Child of Courage category in the Nottingham Post Heroes Awards, said the £1,500 tricycle was purchased through a series of events which raised £1,200 and with the £800 given to the family by Caudwell Children.
The additional £500 that was raised by Mr Rafiq's efforts was given back to the charity so they can help more children like Abdullah with equipment.
Mr Rafiq is now urging others to set up their own fundraising events, whether it be hosting a cake sale, playing a sponsored football match or having a 'dress down day' in the workplace.
He said: "Prior to Abdullah I wasn't aware of Cerebral Palsy but it really hits home when your own son has it. We just want to raise awareness for these charities and the work they do and raise funds for them.
"Why not set up your own fundraising event to help these children be part of society? It makes such a massive difference to people like Abdullah."
Mr Rafiq added that when his son is strong enough he may even take part in a sponsored bike ride.
Abdullah said: "I like riding my bike. It is blue and it has Abdullah Rafiq on it. Blue is one of my favourite colours."
Stacey Smalley, community and appeals fundraiser for Caudwell Children, said: "Therapy Trikes give children the freedom we often take for granted. This one piece of equipment enables children to enjoy a social life with family and friends and Abdullah can now play outside with his sister. His friends and family are so proud of him."
The Nottingham Post Heroes Awards will be presented at a ceremony on May 8 at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel.
For more information on how to nominate someone for the awards visit www.npmg.net/heroes-awards-2014.
