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Ashford youngster able to ride bike for first time thanks on charity

A young girl with a complex medical condition has been given a specialist tricycle to allow her to enjoy recreational activities with friends.

Ebony Cairney, who lives in Sevington and attends The Wyvern School, relies on the aid of a wheelchair to get around as she suffers from medical conditions which affect her balance including cerebral palsy.

The six-year-old uses a walking frame to complete short distances and is unable to ride a standard bicycle - which has often left her as a spectator while her friends cycle outside.

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Ebony Cairney
Ebony Cairney

But now Caudwell Children - a national charity which provides support to disabled children and their families - has paid for a specialist tricycle to enable her to join in with her friends.

The good cause funded the £1,277 specialist equipment - which will enable her to enjoy summer activities with a group of school friends.

Mum Amy Cairney says she was unable to pay for the new tricycle for her daughter, who loves being outside in the garden.

Six-year-old Ebony Cairney loves her new tricycle

“Ebony loves arts and crafts, painting, gluing, and any messy stuff really, but she also loves being outside in the garden," the 30-year-old said.

“So when I was told about the therapy tricycles, and how they have been designed to aid physical development and rehabilitation, and that they are great for building up the strength in a child’s legs, I immediately thought about getting one for Ebony.

“However, at a cost of almost £1,300 it was way out of my budget but luckily the supplier told me about Caudwell Children and the funding support that they provide.

Wyvern School in Ashford
Wyvern School in Ashford

“Ebony adores the tricycle and we’ve been out on it loads of times since she received it last week.

“As a result of her condition she is also non-verbal and she’s been signing the word tricycle for weeks, she’s been so exited.”

Mark Bushell from Caudwell Children says the equipment has significant fitness benefits.

“As a result of her condition she is also non-verbal and she’s been signing the word tricycle for weeks, she’s been so exited" - Amy Cairney

He added: “The new tricycle has been engineered to make pedalling that much easier, and soon Ebony will be able to pedal everywhere.

“Before they receive a specialist tricycle some children have lots of energy that they are unable to burn off.

"With this equipment they’re able to do loads of exercise without really noticing it.”

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