Doctors fought for over four hours to save Marshall’s life. His vital organs failed on two occasions. Dr Thys De Beer, Head of Intensive Care at Treliske Hospital said “Marshall is the sickest child I have ever seen. His survival is almost miraculous.”

Marshall was transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital which has one of the UK’s leading specialist units in treating Meningitis in very young children. Marshall’s vital organs failed again and, once more, medical staff battled for hours to save him.

Over the next few weeks tests confirmed that Marshall had escaped brain damage and that his sight and hearing had not been impaired, however, Doctors had to tell Stephanie and Moss that Marshall would have to lose his hands and legs, due to the terrible damage caused by the septicaemia which often accompanies Meningitis. Marshall’s hands and legs were amputated on 27 January.

The Handstand Appeal was set up by Marshall’s family to raise money for his prosthetic limbs, which are very expensive.

Marshall’s first set of legs will cost £9,727 EACH and his hands will cost £14,172 EACH. Marshall’s hands and legs may have to be changed as often as once a year, every year, until he is 18. This means, potentially, that Marshall's prosthetic limbs will cost £850,000-£950,000. 

The Camborne & Redruth District Lions Club have been helping to raise money for  'Handstand' and would greatly appreciate any donations towards this appeal.

For more information on this remarkable little boy visit the official 'Handstand' web site.