A boy from Belfast with Down Syndrome has received a "life-changing" adapted bike that will allow him to enjoy the feeling of riding a bike safely once again.
10-year-old Jack Simpson is described by his mum, Shauneen, as "a caring wee boy", and has always loved being on a bike since infancy, but had outgrown the baby-seat his dad, Tony, was using to take him cycling.
But now, Jack is able to take part in that hobby safely once more, thanks to support from charity Children Today who helped him get an adapted bike.
Read more: NI mum gives thanks for support received during daughter's cancer battle
Jack’s mum, Shauneen Simpson, said: “Jack has always loved being out and about, he’s a very outdoorsy wee lad, so since he was a baby his dad has always taken him out on his bike using a baby seat.
"Jack’s quite small for his age and very light, so we’ve managed to carry on using it until now. But it wasn’t sustainable as it got to the point that it wasn’t safe anymore.
“We tried Jack on a regular bike with stabilisers but he couldn’t get to grips with it. He has low muscle tone so he couldn’t even pedal the bike.
"We really didn’t know what to do as Jack adores being out on the bike, so we were thrilled when he tried out an adapted Tomcat trike and took to it really well. But it was just too expensive for us to be able to get one for Jack.”
At a cost of more than £3,000, Jack’s family reached out to Children Today and some other charities for support. Children Today pledged more than half of the cost towards the trike giving Jack the opportunity to ride a bike again.
The charity was founded in 1994 and provides children and young people with disabilities up to the age of 25 with specialised equipment to help them enjoy a better quality of life and greater independence.
Shauneen continued: “I can honestly say this trike has been truly life-changing for Jack. He’s always loved being out on Tony’s bike but he can actually pedal this trike himself so it gives him even more independence.
“Jack’s non-verbal but uses some signs and picture cards to communicate. Pretty much the only things he signs for are food and the trike which I think says it all. He loves his food and he really loves his trike!
“It’s his absolute favourite thing to do. He’s out on it every day whatever the weather. Come rain or shine he wants to be on it, but if Jack’s happy we’re all happy!
"Tony’s had no choice but to become a keen cyclist, and his younger sister, Ellie, often joins them too. It’s been lovely for them to have something to bond over.”
The trike is specially engineered so that it can be adapted to grow with Jack and provides additional safety and comfort to suit Jack’s needs. It can also be attached to an adult bike, allowing him to go on longer bike rides and take a rest from pedaling if he gets tired.
Shauneen added: “Jack is such an 'adrenaline junkie’. He loves rollercoasters, water slides, anything that goes fast, so the fact that the trike can also be attached to Tony’s bike means he still gets the thrill of being able to go fast too. We’re just so grateful to Children Today and the other charities that helped us get this amazing trike for Jack.”
The trike is not only providing endless hours of fun for Jack but is also a great way to help him build up his muscle tone and get regular exercise.
Emma Prescott, charity director at Children Today, said: “It’s wonderful to hear how Jack’s trike is providing so much joy and bringing the family closer together too. Sometimes we can take the opportunity to spend quality time with our family members for granted, but for some, like Jack and his family, it’s not necessarily as easy.
“Unfortunately adapted equipment is so often prohibitively expensive though and ‘off-the-shelf’ options are not suitable. But knowing your child is happy, safe and getting the opportunity to do the thing they love most is priceless! We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to help Jack’s passion for cycling continue and grow.”
For more information about Children Today, to make an application or to make a donation to help other children like Jack visit www.childrentoday.org.uk.
READ NEXT:
- Victims rebuilding their lives after terrifying domestic violence by ex partners
- UFU president's pride at wife's key role in providing end of life care
- Co Antrim mum's pride at maintaining her target weight for 12 years
- 'Miracle' conjoined twins separated following successful surgery
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
