AN inspirational boy who overcame a number of obstacles to become a fashion model and TV star lit up a civic Christmas tree at a special event.
Six-year-old Teddy Berriman, from Copley, has spastic quadriplegia – a disabling form of spastic cerebral palsy that 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 has not let disability hold him back.
Instead, Teddy has 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.”
Nicola said: “We are totally 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.”
