In many ways, little Finn Johnson is just like any other four-year-old - he’s mad about dogs, delights in his picture books and he just loves riding out on his bike.
Watching the Stockton youngster play happily with his toys and games, no-one would be ever guess the hurdles he has overcome in his life so far.
But just four weeks after his birth in 2011, his parents Natalie and Nathan Johnson were dealt the devastating blow that their son might never hear.
Scans revealed he lacked important hearing and balance nerves - a condition called audiotry neuropathy spectrum disorder.
It meant his hearing organ and brain were not synced together. Any sounds were distorted or absent, as the hearing nerve was missing.
After a major fundraising campaign, the tot travelled to Italy where he underwent a pioneering brainstem implant, becoming what was believed to be then the youngest person to have the treatment in the world.
Miraculously, within a month of the surgery, the youngster was able to hear his parents’ voices for the first time.
And in August 2013 spoke his first word “mam”.
In September, Finn started Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham where he enjoys a “sign-rich” environment.
He turned four in January and now attends the nursery there five mornings a week.
Speaking at their home in Cavendish Walk, Hardwick, proud mum Natalie said he continues to make amaze them with his development.
“He’s listening much better and he’s started distinguishing between different words,” said the 25-year-old.
“He’s come on so much since starting school. He loves being around other children, loves being able to interact with the other kids.
“You often see him trying to teach the kids signs.
“As it’s such a new treatment we don’t know what the long-term outcome will be but so far he’s doing really well.”
As well as exciting developments in Finn’s life, Natalie and Nathan also got married at Rushpool Hall last year.
And the future is also looking especially bright for Natalie who has been inspired to set up her own business.
She told the Gazette when Finn was a baby, she was unable to find suitable childcare which could accommodate her son’s special needs. This led the mum, and her friend Kate Turner, to look into setting up a nursery which could support both mainstream children and those with additional needs.
Kate, 29, said: “There is not one nursery from Newcastle to Bradford which specialises in children with hearing disabilities.
“We are just normal working mums who want to provide affordable high quality care in a loving environment in which the children can thrive.”
The nursery will be located at the former Billingham library on Bedale Avenue and about 10 positions are expected to be created.
Building work is due to start in the next few weeks and Natalie and Kate hope to open in September.
For more email about the nursery email happyhandsnursery@gmail.com
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