A BRAVE youngster who lost both legs to meningitis has managed to take part in a sponsored walk in aid of his recovery.

Robbie Jones, from Bowburn, near Durham City, was suddenly taken ill in July 2008, aged 23 months.

Initially, his parents, Jill and Wayne, were told his chances of survival were slim.

Surgeons were forced to amputate both his legs – the right above the knee and the left just below – and he also lost finger ends.

Since then, there has been a massive outpouring of public support, with about £120,000 raised to support his care.

Now three, Robbie gets about with the aid of prosthetic limbs and walking sticks – even occasionally walking independently or without the sticks.

He began nursery school in Bowburn in January and, Mrs Jones says, his doctors are delighted with his progress.

Last night, Robbie joined about 20 relatives, friends and wellwishers, including his mother and father, for a fourmile circular walk in aid of his ongoing recovery.

It is the second time the event has been staged. Last year, he was able only to walk across the car park at the Rose Tree Inn, in Shincliffe, where the walk began and ended.

That walk raised £2,200.

Organisers are hopeful last night’s event may raise a similar figure.

Mrs Jones said: “We’re really pleased that we’re still able to spread awareness and money is still coming in.

“We’re so grateful. We’d like to say a massive thankyou from us and our families to everyone who’s helped.

“It’s amazing how much people are doing. People are still coming forward to do things for him all the time – there are eight people running the Great North Run for him this year.”

Already this year, Robbie has been honoured for his bravery at the County Durham Shrievalty Awards, seen a range of performers turn out for Robbie’s Night 2, a fundraising evening at the Gala Theatre, Durham, and had a go at being Fireman Sam for a day during a visit to Sunderland Central Community Fire Station to receive money raised for his appeal.

For more information and to support Robbie, visit robbie-jones.co.uk