Scott beats the odds to perform in Oliver

Scott Mulligan who has the serious condition Hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid on the brain, took to the stage last week.

The 14-year-old has been rehearsing since May as part of Fagin’s Gang with the Ulster Operatic Society.

The year 10 pupil at Wallace High School, was also understudy to Dodger which was quite an achievement as in the last year alone, Scott has undergone three weeks of specialist treatment at Bath Hospital and just two weeks before the show he required emergency surgery.

Scott’s mother Sherryn explained how performing in Oliver was a major milestone for him.

She said: “Scott also developed neuropathic pain in his legs four years ago. This got progressively worse - so much so that two years ago he ended up in the Royal barely able to walk.

“From this he was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

“This debilitating condition meant he would have numerous pain flares when he would endure stabbing, burning, throbbing pain so extreme that he could not bear any contact.

“This also meant that he could only make school for short periods of time and even then he struggled to maintain focus due to the extreme pain.”

She continued: “Following intervention by Mr Jeffrey Donaldson MP with regard to securing funding, Scott was referred to Bath Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases to receive specialist treatment for a three week programme with further follow up treatments on two more occasions back in Bath over an eight month period.

“During all this upheaval and stress Scott was supported by the staff at Wallace High School.

“He was also thankful to his physio Andrea at the Royal for the countless hours she devoted to helping him literally get back on his feet.”

Scott is a member of Lisburn’s Starburst Theatre School, where he has performed in a variety of shows over the last seven years.

Scott said he was excited to appear on stage and has loved being part of Ulster Operatic Society’s cast and having the opportunity at making new friends.

He commented: “I loved performing on stage at the Grand Opera House in Oliver, I really loved all people I met and the friends I made.”

His mum added: “He is a determined young man and has overcome the odds and just seeing him happy means so much.”