Inspiring two-year-old boy from Fochabers is recognised for outstanding bravery

AN INSPIRING two-year-old Moray boy has been recognised for his outstanding bravery.

James Goodwin, from Fochabers, was named as the winner of the Brave Child Award at last night's Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.

James was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – a genetic condition which affects breathing, muscles and limbs – in the week before the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020, at just 10 months old.

But that hasn't stopped him living every second of his young life to the fullest, with mum Jessica and dad Carl constantly in awe at their son's persistence.

"He's so happy, he smiles all the time," Jessica said. "This award means so much to us as he's been through so much in such a short space of time.

"We're so proud of him. He's so brave with what he goes through.

"As parents, the diagnosis broke our hearts but because he took everything in his stride and kept smiling it kept us stronger.

"When he's a bigger boy this award will mean a lot to him."

James has ongoing hospital appointments and physiotherapy and will undergo lumbar punctures every four months throughout his life.

Since he's been 15 months old, James had used a self-propelled wheelchair which mum Jessica said has transformed his life.

"James still can't crawl or walk," she said. "So the chair gives him independence and allows him to get about.

"He absolutely loves it and fairly gets about in it."

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