The little boy I first met almost three years ago could barely even raise a smile.

Olu Fadipe, who was just three when he first appeared in the Wimbledon Guardian, was so severely disfigured it was virtually physically impossible for him to change his facial expression, although his eyes spoke a thousand words.

But when I arrived at the Fadipe household last month, I was met by a grinning six year old with the same boundless energy as his siblings and peers.

A visit from the local paper is something the boys are used to, and there is a brief break from their play as Olu charges upstairs to change out of his slippers in anticipation of the photos being taken.

Meanwhile his mum Antonia tells me life has got easier over the last few years, as Olus understanding of the situation increases and peoples awareness of his condition improves.

It is much better now he understands what is going on. At least we dont have to bribe him to go to the hospital any more! says Antonia.

And since the Guardian campaign, dealing with other peoples reactions to Olu has been a lot better. People are now more likely to ask how he is and when his next operation will be, rather than say anything nasty.

Readers who remember the massive campaign in 1999 to raise money for Olus treatment for cystic hygroma, may look at these photos and see little change in his appearance.

But the surgery he has received from a private US-based specialist since our readers raised almost £90,000 has already made a marked difference. A significant amount of swollen tissue has been removed from his chin and the side of his face, and he is now mastering the art of talking through the tracheal tube he has had since he was a baby.

Crucially, the campaign has also given the family hope and the prospect of a better future for their son.

But they are all too aware its going to be a long haul. The Fadipes still have most of the money in a trust fund, with which to finance the numerous operations Olu will need.

At the moment the family is awaiting the next appointment with Professor Ian Jackson, who visits the UK twice a year to treat severe cases such as Olus.

The cost of each procedure is unpredictable as it depends on which hospital can accommodate Olu each time. No one knows for sure how long the money will last and the Fadipes hope they dont have to go through the whole fundraising process again.

No one knows how many operations he is going to need, Antonia continues.

They are saying it will be at least one a year until hes a teenager.

In the meantime all this family can do is maintain as normal a life as possible for their three children. Following the birth of their third son Kunle last summer, Antonia has her hands full, but has recently found time to start a health studies course at Merton College, and hopes to eventually qualify as a nurse.

After spending so much time in hospitals I felt it was something I wanted to do. Having a special needs child means Olu depends a lot on nurses, and I would love to be able to give something back by helping other special needs children.

And education seems to be suiting Olu too he has won several prizes for reading at his school in South Croydon.

He is into all the usual things Thunderbirds, Action Man and most of all wrestling, says Antonia.

As I headed for home I felt proud the Guardian readers have played some part in shaping a brighter future for Olu.