MOST parents find it hard to keep up with their energetic children.

But for Katie Howbridge and James Roznowski, their tot is harder than most.

For 18-month-old Tadeusz Roznowski, from Lowerhouses, is believed to be the youngest child to propel himself on a wheelchair.

Mum-of-two Katie said he now whizzes past her.

“His physiotherapist, Holly Braffington, said that he is the youngest child to self-propel that they have ever seen at the children’s development centre,’’ she said.

“It can be difficult to keep up with him. When he goes he just goes, he is so fast.”

Tadeusz was born with Sacral Agenesis, a debilitating disease which meant in his first eight weeks his spine never developed.

He has undergone several operations as he also suffers with talapeze feet – also known as clubfoot – a condition shared by paralympic bronze medallist Daniel Greaves.

Every Monday, Tadeusz is taken to the Ellerslie Child Development Centre at the Princess Royal, Huddersfield.

And until recently he was taken to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital once a week for treatment.

But he has been developing at such a rate that Katie only needs to take him once a month.

Tadeusz, who was named after his great-grandfather, wears a special boot on his right foot for 23 hours a day and another on his left for several hours.

Mum Katie said that he is so special that she could not be prouder.

“He is an amazing little boy,’’ she said. “The entire family is so proud of him and he is always happy.”

“Sometimes I just look at him and I realise I am the luckiest woman in the world.”

Katie, of New Laithe Close, said her eight-year-old son Cameron likes to help her out and is a fantastic support to his brother.

“He is a great help,’’ she said. “Sometimes when Tadeusz needs help he just says to me ‘don’t worry mum, I’ll do that.’

“He is really an incredible little boy too.

“James’s mum and my mum are great too. Everyone pitches in and we just adore him.”

Katie and her partner, newsagent-worker James, are due to move in to a new house on Grosvenor Road, Dalton.

It has been specially designed to accommodate Tadeusz’s speedy wheelchair.

It will have wider corridors and a specially-designed shower room.