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Why the ‘Life of Riley’? The Lightning Seeds produced a song called ‘The Life of Riley’ written by Ian Broudie after his own son Riley was born. This song was a personal favourite of Riley’s dad. When Riley’s mum became pregnant, they resolved that if it was to be a boy, they would name him Riley. Riley’s birth was traumatic in that both he and his mum very nearly died due to complications. Whilst he was in intensive care, the staff urged Riley’s parents to sing to him as his dad had when he was still inside his mum. Lee really listened to the words to The Life of Riley and was struck by how relevant they were to Riley and his situation. Riley was in hospital for six weeks, during which time ‘The Life or Riley’ was sung to him literally hundreds of times and Riley’s parents truly believe it contributed at least a small part to his recovery. There were many times when they noticed other people humming it whilst going about their work! As a result, the Life of Riley has stuck with them, hence the title of this website .Riley
Meet Riley, a handsome young man you must agree:
 Riley’s condition has been diagnosed as diskinetic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which essentially means that all of his limbs may become spasticated at times and at other times they may be floppy.Until May 2007, Riley required feeding with a naso-gastric tube, which was unpleasant both for him and his Mum and Dad when he pulled it out. Riley underwent a gastrostomy operation in Riley is lucky to have parents who are dedicated to helping him achieve his potential, and he also benefits from a great deal of support from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, community paediatric nurses as well as a whole host of other health professionals. He attends the Advance Centre, http://www.advancecentre.org.uk, which provides some ground-breaking treatment for victims of brain injury. As a result of all of this support, Riley is developing well and perhaps the most important thing of all is the fact that he is a very happy little boy, who is quick to laugh and brings enormous amounts of joy to those who know and love him. Riley faces many challenges in the future, but all those who know him believe that he will overcome them with the support of his family and friends.
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