Inspirational Holywell boy, 4, tells Prince Charles: 'I'm a future Paralympian'

Four-year-old Albie-Junior Thomas, from Holywell, was born with fibular hemimelia - a condition which prevents the lower legs or feet from developing properly.

Doctors at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool said it would be easier to remove the lower part of Albie-Junior's left leg rather than try to lengthen it - which was done when he was aged 1.

But his proud parents, Rachel Kyrki and Daniel Thomas, said he’s never let it stop him and are working to help fulfill his future dream of representing Team GB at the Paralympics.

On Monday, during Prince Charles' visit to north east Wales - the Prince of Wales stopped at Holywell where he heard of inspirational Albie-Junior's dreams.

Prince Charles in conversation with four-year-old Albie-Junior.

Dad, Daniel, said: "Prince Charles came straight over to talk to us and Albie-Junior told the Prince he would see him again one day when he's competing in the Paralympic Games.

"He also told him that we're climbing Mount Snowdon in a few months. Prince Charles was really nice and told him that's amazing and wished him good luck."

Four-year-old Albie-Junior Thomas tells Prince Charles of his aspirations to become a Paralympian.

So convinced by Albie-Junior’s potential, Daniel - a former joiner by trade - has even switched careers to become a personal trainer in a bid to get his son into the Paralympics.

As well as running his personal trainer business - CBCT fitness and health - he also runs a junior and senior running club, named Holywell Bladerunners - named after the prosthetic blade Albie-Junior uses.

Albie-Junior, who attends St Winefrides Catholic Primary School in Holywell, regularly goes running with his dad and hopes to one day compete in long-distance running.

Daniel said: “Despite everything he’s been through, Albie is really happy and positive.

"He’s really determined and I will do all I can to help him fulfill his dreams."