Specialist Trike for Our Disabled Daughter Poppy
Donation protected
Poppy was born in October 2009. Over time it became apparent that she had a number of problems, and ultimately she has was diagnosed with a very rare genetic syndrome. This affects her in a myriad of ways, including autism, ADHD, weak musculature, poor chewing and digestive processes, and severe learning difficulties. Poppy is a sunny, happy little girl, who never complains, and who is a delight, as well as often a challenge, to care for.
Because of these problems, Poppy's movements are compromised and her balance is poor. Like all children she likes a bicycle, but a regular bicycle is of no use to her and she is too large for one with stabilisers. We approached specialist trike company Tomcat back in 2014, and she was made a specialist trike by them which was guaranteed up to the age of 10. This is her receiving her trike on her birthday, and riding it for the first time.
She has now outgrown her original trike, just as she is really starting to get the hang of steering it. The main photo highlights this. We have had a quote for a replacement trike, which will see her all the way through the rest of her life. The quote for this is £3,742. Poppy has tried out a "test trike" (below) like the one she would have, and thought it was wonderful. She feels more stable as she sits lower, and the seat in general is more comfortable for her. She is able to steer with guidance and we hope in time be able to brake reliably. There is a carer control handle so she can be steered and braked by us initially. She would also will have a towing bar, meaning she can be towed along behind a regular bike on trips out, until safe enough to be independent.
Using this trike would fulfil so many of Poppy's needs. It would provide physio, for core strength and for limb strength, assist with co-ordination, planning and sequencing, provide a challenge to her, help with fitness and, most importantly, allow her to feel like other children on their bicycles. I have seen her watch other children on their bicycles and I have also seen her watch other children on their bicycles when she is also on her trike. She tells me that "they are on the bikes just like me". With this new trike, she will continue to be able to feel that pride and inclusion.
Thank you very much for reading. Please consider making a donation, no matter how small, to help Poppy get her trike. It would be wonderful if this could be in time for her birthday at the beginning of October!
Because of these problems, Poppy's movements are compromised and her balance is poor. Like all children she likes a bicycle, but a regular bicycle is of no use to her and she is too large for one with stabilisers. We approached specialist trike company Tomcat back in 2014, and she was made a specialist trike by them which was guaranteed up to the age of 10. This is her receiving her trike on her birthday, and riding it for the first time.
She has now outgrown her original trike, just as she is really starting to get the hang of steering it. The main photo highlights this. We have had a quote for a replacement trike, which will see her all the way through the rest of her life. The quote for this is £3,742. Poppy has tried out a "test trike" (below) like the one she would have, and thought it was wonderful. She feels more stable as she sits lower, and the seat in general is more comfortable for her. She is able to steer with guidance and we hope in time be able to brake reliably. There is a carer control handle so she can be steered and braked by us initially. She would also will have a towing bar, meaning she can be towed along behind a regular bike on trips out, until safe enough to be independent.
Using this trike would fulfil so many of Poppy's needs. It would provide physio, for core strength and for limb strength, assist with co-ordination, planning and sequencing, provide a challenge to her, help with fitness and, most importantly, allow her to feel like other children on their bicycles. I have seen her watch other children on their bicycles and I have also seen her watch other children on their bicycles when she is also on her trike. She tells me that "they are on the bikes just like me". With this new trike, she will continue to be able to feel that pride and inclusion.
Thank you very much for reading. Please consider making a donation, no matter how small, to help Poppy get her trike. It would be wonderful if this could be in time for her birthday at the beginning of October!
Organizer
Charlotte Mary Fosbery
Organizer
England