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Seeing him out smiling is just the best

06 February 2009

SUNSHINE FUND HELPS FOUR-YEAR-OLD RIDE OUT WITH HIS PALS

CEREBRAL palsy meant Jayden Walton could only look on as his pals larked about with their bikes. Now, thanks to the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund, the four-year-old can wheel around with the rest of the gang on his specially-built bike with stabilisers.
The charity’s donation means the youngster, who lives with his grandparents in Stanley, County Durham, gets the benefit of exercise and the freedom he longed for.

Jayden’s delighted grandmother Catherine O’Hanlon said: “He’d seen all his friends riding their bikes and always wanted one himself, but just couldn’t have one. It’s been great for all of us. “It’s been helping with his stiff legs – he can use the pedals himself which is amazing. “He's been riding up and down the street on it – he absolutely loves it. “We were chuffed to bits when we found out he was getting the bike.

“It means he can go to school on a bike like all the other little boys in the summer. We’ve all just been over the moon with it.
“He still smiles whenever he uses it. He says he’s got a ‘big boys’ bike’ now, because everything else he has ever had has been for small people.
“And it’s really helped his confidence and exercise. The impact on the whole family has been fantastic. Seeing him out smiling like a normal boy is just the best.
“We’re so grateful to the Sunshine Fund.”

The specialist equipment, supplied by Quest 88, found its way to Jayden after his physiotherapist, at the Children's Development Centre, County Durham, made an application on his behalf last year.

Their special seats, back and leg supports, and control rods, which adults can hang on to, are designed to help children who suffer from movement-limiting illnesses, like Jayden’s cerebral palsy.

Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris said: “It’s great to see Jayden enjoying the bike so much. “That’s why we continue with all of our fundraising, to help as many children in the area we can. “There’s no substitute for the smile on a child’s face, when they finally get to join in with something they thought they would never do. “And as you can see from Jayden’s family, his happiness spreads straight to his loved ones.”

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