A six-year-old boy from Colchester who was 'very active' has been left needing a wheelchair after being diagnosed with a rare condition that made his hip bone 'squishy and soft'. Billy Mason began limping in April 2026 and was diagnosed with Perthes' disease in August 2026, a condition that cuts off the blood supply to the top of the thigh bone.
From limping to full-time wheelchair
Stevie Mason, Billy's mother and a 33-year-old community nurse, said Billy began limping in April 2026 before developing leg pain, which she initially thought was growing pains. By August, his symptoms had not improved, and he was diagnosed with Perthes' disease. Stevie and her husband, Dean Mason, 36, a police officer, were initially advised that Billy should use crutches on particularly painful days, but just one month later, he was told to use a wheelchair full-time.
Stevie said she took Billy to A&E after he 'woke up one day' in August and could 'barely walk' because he was in 'so much pain'. He underwent several tests, including an X-ray, and was diagnosed with Perthes' disease. The condition affects just one in 9,000 children, according to the NHS, and occurs when the blood supply to the top of the thigh bone is disrupted, causing the bone to become soft and change shape.
Impact on the family
Stevie said Billy now struggles to dress himself, and his condition has affected the whole family, including Billy's siblings, Annie, nine, and Louie, five, as they can no longer enjoy many of their usual activities together. She said: 'He went from still doing pretty much everything he wanted to do, to being in a wheelchair and having everything he loves taken away from him. I feel horrific, I'm not in a great place, to be honest – I've been referred for some therapy.'
Billy, who played football three times a week, is now 'missing his football'. His father coaches his team, so Billy has been helping him coach to stay involved. In September, Stevie's sister, Georgie, launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help buy Billy a £2,500 electric wheelchair.
Treatment and fundraising
Doctors hope Billy's bone will regrow into a rounded shape over the next two to three years, although there is no guarantee. He now attends regular scans, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions. Stevie said: 'The doctor said being in a wheelchair could help to ensure the bone grows back in a round shape and fits back into the socket over the next two or three years. If that doesn't happen, he'd likely need surgery.'
The family is continuing to raise money for Billy's future treatment, with a fundraising target of £10,000, as well as additional physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions. Stevie said: 'I worry every day what he'll be like long term, but we're trying to take each day as it comes. It's just terrifying but all we can do is hope.'
