Miracle twin the most premature ever to survive takes first steps thanks to BOTOX injections

Archie and Harley Garthwaite, from Hartlepool, were born 17 weeks early At the time, doctors said they may be the youngest twins ever to survive Archie is unable to walk and was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy He stunned medics by learning to crawl and will now have Botox injections It is hoped these will relax his muscles and help him walk like his brother

By Madlen Davies for MailOnline

Published: 09:33 EST, 29 December 2014 | Updated: 12:49 EST, 29 December 2014

A twin who was one of the most premature ever to survive is set to defy doctors by taking his first steps thanks to Botox injections.

Two-year-old Archie Garthwaite was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in June, after a host of complications when he and his brother Harley were born 17 weeks early.

Doctors told his devastated parents Hayley Kennedy, 22, and Billy Garthwaite, 23, that he would never walk.

But Archie defied medics to learn to crawl and doctors are now preparing to inject his legs with Botox, which they say could relax his tightened muscles and help him walk.

Two-year-old Archie Garthwaite (right) and his twin brother Harley (left) were born 17 weeks early. Archie has cerebral palsy and will soon receive Botox injections to relax his muscles and help him walk

At first, doctors said Archie (right) would never walk like his brother Harley (left), but he defied medics by learning to crawl. Now, his parents hope the Botox treatment will allow him to take his first steps

Archie (left) and Harley (right) amazed doctors after they survived being born more than four months premature. Both were born with holes in their hearts, and had to undergo surgery just weeks after being born

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Miracle twin the most premature ever to survive takes first steps thanks to BOTOX injections