PARENTS of little Connor Wrighton are “feeling really positive” about his chances of gaining limited sight after what appears to be two successful courses of treatment in India.

Nathan and Lisa Wrighton recently returned from several weeks in New Delhi, where Connor, who will celebrate his first birthday on Wednesday, had two courses of pioneering stem cell treatment.

The tiny tot was born blind and with a form of cerebral palsy, but Nathan and Lisa felt he had a chance of getting some sight after reading on the internet about the possible success of therapies.

Now, Nathan – formerly of Oxenhope and Silsden and an ex-student of South Craven School in Cross Hills – says Connor does seem to be showing signs of some sensitivity to light.

He added: “The treatment does seem to have made a real difference.

“He seems to have some perception of light now – when the light from my phone shines in his eyes, for example, he puts his hand up – though obviously it is very early days.

“He was getting very distressed and upset before we went to India and his seizures seemed to be getting worse. But he does seem to have settled down quite a lot since we got back. “He is also a lot more interactive with us, though of course he is getting older and developing rapidly anyway.

“For Lisa and me, it’s all positive so far.”

Connor, from Skipton, underwent two courses of treatment at separate hospitals in New Delhi during a five-week period.

The stem cell treatments involved taking bone marrow from Connor’s hip area and transferring it to the area around his eyes and spine. This can help to ‘regenerate’ cells and, in Connor’s case, this could help him to see shapes and improve the motor skills affected by his cerebral palsy.

The treatment is not available on the NHS and Connor’s parents launched an appeal to raise £25,000 so he could be treated. Thanks to a wide variety of fundraising events and donations, they achieved that target in just four months.

Lisa and her mother, Joyce, will be taking Connor back to New Delhi in January for a further course of treatment. The family aims to continue fundraising as Connor will have to have further courses of treatment to improve his eyesight.

Nathan, a paint sprayer at Skipton Ford, said: “It was very distressing for Connor to undergo the medical procedures and we were upset by seeing him distressed.

“But our aim has always been to give him the best possible chance, so it has to be done.

“We will always be grateful for the fantastic help we have had from everyone – our heartfelt thanks.”