Jonty Burger was lifeless when he was born by emergency Caesarean four weeks early - he had no heart beat and it took five minutes to rescuitate him. 

His mum Jessica and dad Gareth Burger, 37, waited anxiously for five "unbearable" minutes for their baby to show his first signs of life.

But amazingly, doctors were able to resuscitate little Jonty and rush him to intensive care. As a result of the oxygen deprivation, Jonty was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Mr Burger, a teacher at St Albans School, said: "Jonty entered the world showing a strength and determination that many can only dream of.

"All signs were that he wouldn’t survive his arrival into this world, but Jonty had other ideas and continues to prove medical professionals wrong time and time again."

Jonty’s condition means he is not able to crawl, walk, stand alone or live a fully independent life.

As a result of his physical disabilities, Jonty has to endure many hours of therapy with various professionals.

At the last count he was under six different consultants for his various complex needs.

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Mr Burger, of Coopers Green Lane, continued: "Despite this he never fails to amaze and warm the hearts of those he encounters. He has the sunniest, warmest personality and faces his significant challenges with a huge smile on his face.

"He is the most smiley, friendly and inspirational four year old you are likely to meet.

"He loves nothing more than socialising with his family and friends, charging around in his walker after a football or gobbling down an ice cream on the beach."

Jonty has recently started attending the Footsteps Centre in Oxfordshire where physiotherapists are experts in motivating the children to achieve their best.

Mr Burger said in his first block of treatment Jonty made fantastic progress.

But an unavoidable consequence of Jonty’s substantial needs is the exceptional cost of therapy and the various resources required to enable him to live as full a life as possible.

A two week physio session, which Jonty needs two to three times a year, costs in the region of £3,000. His parents are now fundraising to help provide for his care.

Mr Burger said: "Whilst all the early therapies have helped, continued expert intervention is essential for Jonty to achieve his potential and live his life to the full.

"Everything Jonty needs has to be bespoke and it does not come cheap."

Jonty's parents have recently joined up with charity Tree of Hope to raise funds for Jonty. To donate, click here.