big step
Watch emotional moment Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers’ son Oakley walks for first time after gruelling health battle
Watch the touching moment in the video
AARON Chalmers' ex Talia Oatway has shared the emotional moment their son Oakley walked for the first time after his gruelling health battle.
Oakley, two, has Apert Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes fusion of the skull, hands, and feet bones.
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Proud mum Talia took to Instagram to post a video of their son taking his first steps and shared an update with her followers.
Alongside the clip, she wrote: "Oakley has been using a walking frame for a few months now.
"He’s had some shoes made for him as it’s impossible to get shoes that fit his feet. Which is common with Apert syndrome.
"Today we tried the shoes for the first time. We also had physio at home which we are doing every week.
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Talia added: "Using an object to hold on so Oakley feels safe. I’m so proud of how far he’s come."
Fans rushed to comment on the upload, with one writing: "He's a legend. Well done Oakley."
Another said: "So emotional, what a little beauty, well done Oakley and to mummy!"
And a third added: "What an inspiration you both are."
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In June last year Oakley underwent emergency surgery after a hole was found in his skull, causing brain fluid to leak out.
He was forced to stay in hospital for more than five weeks and Talia later revealed the surgery had suffered complications.
Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers gives fans huge update on seriously ill son’s condition after terrifying health battle
She said at the time: "He has had a lot of complications. CSF leaks, CSF infection which lead to sepsis shock.
"Two lumbar drains, a EVD drain (in the head), IV fluids and antibiotics, four surgeries in total (on this admission).
He was in an induced coma for around six days to help his body while he was fighting the infection."
Talia and Geordie Shore star Aaron also share Romeo, four, and Maddox, three.
The former couple got together in 2017 but split just months after Oakley's birth.
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What is Apert Syndrome?
APERT syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly, is a rare disorder that is named after the doctor who first discovered it in the early 20th century.
It is a genetic condition and is caused by a mutation of the FGFR2 gene.
This affects how cells in the body - namely bone cells - grow, divide and die.
Children born with Apert syndrome have a characteristic appearance, which is caused by the bones in the skull and face fusing and not growing in
proportion, according to
It can increase a child's risk of hydrocephalus, which results in pressure building on the brain, and it can also cause Chiari malformation, where the base of the brain is squeezed.
Other complications include breathing difficulties and heart problems, which require life-long monitoring.
The condition is said to occurs in one in every 65,000 to 88,000 births and a child's outlook can vary greatly depending on the severity of symptoms
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