Radio station limo ride puts lucky Liam in driving seat

Reporter: Jacob Metcalf
Date published: 29 September 2016


A LUCKY pupil arrived in style when he was taken to school in an American limousine courtesy of Manchester's Key 103 radio station.

Liam Kearney (7), of Lees, who battled a speech disorder, was transported to Hey with Zion Primary School via the limo after he won a competition which looking for inspirational children.

When Liam was three he was diagnosed with verbal apraxia which meant his brain had problems using his mouth muscles and rendered him unable to speak.

Although Liam couldn't talk, he was still able to understand what was being said to him which caused frustration when he struggled to respond.

But Liam started speech therapy and thanks to his hard work and commitment is now able to communicate.

Amazing

Felicity Kearney, Liam's mum, said: "It is amazing for all of us to see because when he started school we didn't quite know what the future would hold for him but he's come on leaps and bounds.

"We are incredibly proud of him, I have never known a child like him."

Liam, who is a fan of "Star Wars" and super heroes, now has a new-found confidence and takes part in street dance classes as well as being able to communicate with his two-year-old brother Charlie.

Felicity added: "When he couldn't talk he could understand us which was very frustrating for him.

"He was so shy when he first started school but then you see him now and he is a completely different child.

"The school has helped and been so supportive of him.

"As a mum I knew something wasn't quite right and I knew that he needed help.

"It has been a lot of hard work but I would do it all again in a heartbeat."