A four-year-old boy who suffers from a rare and debilitating condition made his parents proud this week after completing his first few days at primary school.

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

George Woodward, from Ipswich, started in reception at Whitehouse Community Primary School on Wednesday with the help of his new powered wheelchair and mum Laura Barber said “he absolutely loved it”.

The youngster was just 21 months old when he was diagnosed with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy – a hereditary disease that causes muscle weakness and breathing difficulties – but he did not let his illness stop him playing with his fellow classmates and coming home to tell his parents about his adventures.

In December last year the Sir Bobby Robson Online Auction raised enough cash to provide George with his first powered wheelchair – which helps him get around independently.

“George was so happy and was telling us all about his first day at school,” said Miss Barber.

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

“He played with some new friends in the playground and was very chatty about how it all went.

“He started on Wednesday – they stagger the start of school for reception children and this really helped George to settle in.”

A campaign to raise money for the four-year-old’s new wheelchair was kicked off by Suffolk fundraiser Gina Long back in February and Miss Barber said she expects it to be a “great help” to George at school.

She added: “He loves his wheelchair and it helps him get around so much more quickly.

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

“During the summer we went on countless walks to the park and on a summer holiday which George can now enjoy.”

Ever since little George was diagnosed with his illness mum Laura and dad Lee Woodward have hosted several events to raise money for the George Woodward Fund, which they hope will help provide more equipment for the youngster as he gets older.

Visit georgewoodwardfund.weebly.com to see how you can help.

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity.Four year old George Woodward, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is thrilled with his new specialist wheelchair which has been donated to him by a charity. (Image: Archant)