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A young boy who had both his legs amputated because of meningitis has taken his first unaided steps on his new prosthetic limbs.

Taylor Lewis, now three, became ill with meningitis in April 2015, when he was eight months old.

He was put in a coma for 17 days, fighting for his life at the Queen's Medical Centre – a fight he defiantly won, despite doctors giving him just hours to live, and asking his family to prepare their goodbyes.

Taylor had to have one of his legs and both hands amputated at the time.

Then, at the end of last year, he had to have his second leg removed.

He now uses two prosthetic legs, and has been walking with the support of other people.

(Image: BPM Media) (Image: BPM Media)

But on Thursday, brave Taylor showed he did not need any help - and walked by himself for the first time.

Taylor’s mother, Terri Lewsley, 24, said she burst into tears when she was sent the footage of her little boy walking by himself at his nursery.

She said: “I’m over the moon. To say what he’s gone through in his life, this shows he does not let anything stop him.

“He can do whatever he wants to do now - it’s really built his confidence.

“I knew this was going to happen, but not for a long time. I didn’t expect it to be so quick.”

(Image: BPM Media) (Image: BPM Media)

Taylor and Terri, formerly of Long Eaton, now live in Nicholas Close, Ilkeston, in a specially built open-plan bungalow with disabled access.

Taylor goes for physiotherapy once every two weeks at Nottingham City Hospital’s Mobility Centre.

Here, he can show what he is learning and pick up tips from the centre’s physios.

Terri said she wanted to thank staff at Taylor’s nursery, Westfield Nursery, Sandiacre, who had encouraged him to walk on his own under their supervision.

She said: “He wasn’t that confident at first but he’s been trying to copy others at nursery – it’s been a big help for him.

(Image: BPM Media)

(Image: BPM Media) (Image: BPM Media)

“It’s only been two or three weeks and they’ve got him walking, I’m so thankful.”

“I was frightened of him being on his own at first without support but Ruth [Riley] who works there has been brilliant with him.”

Taylor has also had to have reconstruction of his hands following his amputation.

He now has a thumb and a finger, a ‘pincer’ on his right hand, and a thumb on his left hand. He is able to pick things up, and can also write the letter T.

Terri said: “He is always learning - it’s amazing to see.”