Specialist Trike Helps County Down Teen Enjoy Freedom and Fitness
A specialist trike has improved the quality of life for a 14-year old County Down boy who is now enjoying the thrill of cycling and getting much-needed exercise thanks to funding towards the trike from children’s disability charity, Children Today Charitable Trust.
Sam Stockdale has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and learning disabilities. He also has epilepsy and is visually impaired, meaning he is unable to ride a regular bike.
Having recently grown out of his previous trike, Sam’s family were keen to secure a new one, knowing the positive impact it had on his physical health and wellbeing.
Sam’s mum, Emma Stockdale, said: “Sam’s a very active boy who absolutely loves the outdoors and has a real sense of adventure, but he needs assistance with every aspect of day-to-day life.
“It’s very important that Sam gets regular exercise to help build and maintain his muscle tone and he’s recently been diagnosed with scoliosis – curvature of the spine – so needs regular physiotherapy.
“The trike helps him get the regular movement he needs – it’s like physio without him knowing it!”
Emma reached out to Children Today for support towards securing a Tomcat Bullet trike, which has special adaptations to meet Sam’s needs, including a chest harness, callipers for his legs and a bespoke steering wheel.
Emma added: “It’s been amazing to see Sam enjoying his new trike. It brings him so much joy!
“We live on a farm and having the trike means he’s able to get around it safely. He loves hanging out with his dad, while he’s working on the farm, and visiting the cows and calves.
“The outdoors is Sam’s happy place – it’s the best therapy for him!”
The specialist adaptations also allow Sam to be more independent as he gets older.
“Sam’s never been able to steer using handlebars. We’ve always had to use the parent steering control at the back to keep him safe, but he’s doing really well handling the new trike, and he can pedal it so fast. I’m getting lots of exercise myself trying to keep up with him!” said Emma.
“It’s also very portable. The trike folds down so we can fit it in the boot of the car, which means we can take it with us on family days out.
“Sam struggles to walk long distance, and we used to use a buggy, but as he gets older it’s nice to have something that feels more grown up and fun when he gets too tired to walk!”
The trike is designed to grow with Sam, meaning it will last for many years. It can also be attached to an adult bike, allowing his parents to take him on longer rides with his three younger siblings.
“Sam’s brothers and sister adore him, but growing up with a disabled sibling can be challenging. Sam needs a lot of our time and energy, so having something we can all enjoy together really matters.”
Emma Prescott, Charity Director at Children Today Charitable Trust, added: “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy movement, independence and the simple joy of being outdoors.
“Sam’s trike is a perfect example of how the right specialist equipment can transform a child’s quality of life – supporting their physical needs while also giving them confidence, freedom and fun.
“We’re delighted to have been able to support Sam and his family, and incredibly grateful to our donors who make moments like this possible.”
To find out more about applying to Children Today for support or to make a donation visit: www.childrentoday.org.uk.
About Children Today Charitable Trust
• Children Today Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 and helps provide disabled children and young adults (up to the age of 25) with support and specialised equipment such as individually adapted electric wheelchairs, walking aids, trikes, specially adapted car seats and more.
• The charity receives no statutory funding form government or the NHS, instead relying entirely on voluntary donations from individuals and organisations.
• The equipment and support provided by Children Today is often truly life-changing – leading to improved mental and physical health; better access to sport and exercise; reduced social isolation and better access to education and employment.
