TODDLER Luca Williams, whose bravery has attracted celebrity support across the world, is preparing for the next stage of his inspirational recovery.

The three-year-old, who lost his lower legs to meningococcal septicaemia earlier this year, has gained the support of the likes of pop sensation Pixie Lott, members of the Wales rugby squad and former Kiss frontman Gene Simmons who have all posed for photographs with ‘For Luca’ on their hands.

Now Formula One superstars David Coulthard, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton have added their support.

Luca also shared the spotlight at the Avengers premiere in Cardiff last week when his picture was shown on the big screen.

The For Luca campaign was started by Luca’s Newport parents Mo Syed and Sian Williams who want to raise £1.5 million for prosthetic legs for Luca.

Luca recently had an operation on his knees and he is now starting to move the right one.

Mr Syed said the right knee seems to be healing ok and he will be starting gentle physiotherapy to see how strong it will be.

He said: “In himself Luca has shownamazing strength and managed his first dressing change without general anaesthetic on Friday.”

The three-year-old has also now been fitted for a new wheelchair and the family hope to receive this in a few months’ time.

Mr Syed they expect Luca will use this for around 12 to 18 months before the prosthetics start to be fitted.

Around £16,000 has now been donated to the campaign on the Just Giving website so far. To donate, see justgiving.com/forluca or text ‘LUCA80 £5 or £10’ to 70070.

Paralympian lends support

MR SYED told the Argus his son met a Paralympian recently who has faced a similar battle.

Stephen Thomas, of Bridgend, was a former captain of the Wales under-18 rugby team before he was struck down by meningococcal septicaemia aged 18 and had to have both legs amputated.

The 35-year-old remained active and had tremendous success at Parasailing, taking it up in 2002 and winning a world championship bronze medal just a year later.

He also proved very good at ice sledge hockey.

Mr Thomas is aiming for a sailing gold this year.