Beneficiaries

Bike is making world of difference to youngster

Andrew Mitchell, of Ryton in Gateshead, has cerebral palsy. He often finds it difficult to walk independently and can only use his left hand. In October 2006, the Sunshine Fund awarded Andrew with a grant to purchase a Theraplay Imp Trike, and now Andrew ’s mum, Claire, says he couldn’t live without it.

It was Andrew ’s physiotherapist who applied to the Sunshine Fund for the trike. He had experienced one on a trial basis which he had enjoyed using, and it also helped to strengthen his legs, so the family were delighted when they found out they were going to get one of their own.

His mum, Claire recalls “Before we got it (the trike) he used to have to just sit and watch while his sister played on her bike but now he joins in and they have races up and down the street!”

“He is a lovely lad and is very determined, so we are really pleased with the new trike.”

Sunshine Fund manager, Jo Harris, said: “We were delighted to help this family with the trike and are really pleased with how much it seems to be helping Andrew and how much he is enjoying it.

EASY RIDER: Andrew Mitchell on the trike donated to him by the Fund, watched by mum Claire (Picture: TONY HALL)

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