After seven operations, nine-year-old Daniel Wheeler is bouncing back to fitness and learning to ride a bike.

The Wootton Bassett youngster has become a football fanatic and has shrugged off major surgery after having a recurrent tumour removed for the second time just over a year ago.

Not so long ago Daniel's mother Kay, 32, of Noremarsh Road, was just hoping her son would survive.

But his progress has surprised them all and he now spends most of his time out in the garden wearing an England shirt and practising his football skills.

Mrs Wheeler, who has two other children, Rebecca, 13, and Bethany, four, said: "If someone had told me this time last year that by January Daniel would be learning to ride a bike and playing football I would not have believed them.

"I can't believe how well he's recovered and he's become so much more confident in everything he does."

Daniel, who attends Noremarsh Junior School, had the first four of his seven operations soon after being born with a cleft lip and palate.

He suffers from a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis, which results in the growth of tumours on his body, as well as scoliosis which results in a curvature of the spine.

In April 2002 Kay and her husband Michael, who suffers from epilepsy, were told that Daniel had developed a tumour on his spine.

They were told that, if not operated on immediately, it threatened to paralyse him from the neck down.

The tumour was so big that two operations were needed to remove it from Daniel's back and chest.

Although the operation was successful, it left him suffering from Horner's syndrome, which means his left eye doesn't dilate and looks droopy.

In the summer of 2004 Daniel's health rapidly deteriorated. He lost control of his bowels and bladder, and became unable to walk unaided.

A routine trip to his neurologist in September confirmed the tumour had returned and he was operated on the next day.

Mrs Wheeler said: "It was a terrifying time and he was kept in hospital for five days but afterwards it was as if someone had waved a magic wand over him."

Daniel, who had regular physio sessions, has not looked back since the operation and has proved himself to be a tough little fighter.

As well as his football and cycling he also attends the local Cub pack on a Wednesday.

Mrs Wheeler said: "He's doing all the things a nine-year-old should be doing and it's been an incredible turn-around."

But because of Daniel's condition the family know that things could turn for the worse at any time.

Mrs Wheeler said: "Because of his condition he will never be given the all clear and Daniel's neurologist has told us that there's always a possibility that the tumour could return.

"But, as he said himself, we will fight the fires as and when they come."

In 2004 Daniel appeared in the Gazette when we reported how he was using his own experiences to help close friend Harry Ward prepare for an operation to have his legs straightened.

Harry, who lives in nearby Bardsey Close and also attends Noremarsh Junior School, had to have both his legs broken at the ankle so doctors could realign his bones.

Daniel helped reassure Harry and their parents were delighted that they had each other to talk to.

In December 2004, as Harry recovered from his successful operation, the Gazette organised a surprise visit from Swindon Town's star striker Sam Parkin to help cheer the youngster up.

Harry is now off crutches and enjoying life on the hockey field.