A DISABLED Teesdale youngster is continuing to prove that life has no limits after being chosen to model a new range of adaptive clothing for a high street giant.
Six-year-old Teddy Berriman, from Copley, can now be seen on Marks and Spencer’s website promoting the store’s new easy-to-wear clothing range which has been designed for youngsters with disabilities.
Marks and Spencer is the first high street retailer to launch daywear for children with sensory or physical disabilities in Britain.
Teddy, who attends Butterknowle Primary School, was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called spastic quadriplegia, a disabling form of spastic cerebral palsy, when he was just two. The condition mainly affects his lower limbs meaning that he can’t walk, stand or sit unaided. He needs round-the-clock care and must use a frame or wheelchair to move around.
He also suffers from three different types of epilepsy, autism and is partially sighted.
In June last year, Teddy was signed up by Zebedee Management, a unique modelling agency which specialises in representing people with disabilities. He has since been invited along to numerous photoshoots for well-known brands.
One of his most recent calls was for Marks and Spencer.
The photoshoot took place during the summer in London. Teddy was asked to model the new autumn and winter kidswear range which has been adapted to allow for easy dressing.
Teddy is also to star on television screens nationwide as he features in retailer Very’s TV commercial promoting its latest toy range.
This follows a modelling appearance earlier in the year for Teddy when he was also hired to model for Marks and Spencer’s Life Isn’t Uniform back to school campaign.
Meanwhile, the youngster has been snapped by River Island for the second time this year.
Teddy currently appears on the retail giant’s website modelling their latest coats and jackets for young boys.
In March he was chosen to be part of the brand’s diversity campaign, Labels Are For Clothes, which celebrated individuality.
Teddy also starred in a new CBeebies TV show in July called Kit and Pup.
Teddy’s mother, Nicola Short, said: “When he is having a bad day I show him his photographs and it gives him a boost.
“The good times outweigh the difficult times. We are really proud of him. We are so grateful to Zebedee for believing in Teddy.”