An inspirational boy who overcame his obstacles to become a fashion model and TV star lit up a Durham City Christmas tree at a special event this week.
Six year old Teddy Berriman, from Copley in Teesdale, has spastic quadriplegia, a disabling form of spastic cerebral palsy which means that he cannot walk, stand or sit unaided. He is also partially sighted as well as having epilepsy and autism, but this determined little boy isn’t letting his disability hold him back.
Instead, Teddy has overcome his obstacles to become a model and presenter, starring in fashion shoots for River Island and Marks and Spencer, a TV commercial promoting toys for Very and CBeebies science show Kit and Pup.
Teddy was joined by mum Nicola, dad Phil and Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr John Lethbridge, to turn on the Christmas lights on the tree outside County Hall, Durham, and the tree on the nearby Framwellgate Peth roundabout.
Cllr Lethbridge said “I was really inspired by Teddy’s story. He’s such a positive little boy, with such an infectious smile. It was an honour to meet him, to hear about his achievements in his modelling career and to help spread some Christmas joy.”
Mum Nicola said: “We are total humbled that Teddy has been chosen to switch on the Christmas lights, it was a total surprise and he’s been so excited since he was invited. He has been very proudly telling everyone all about it.”