A two-year-old boy with cerebral palsy has been given a £1,000 trike thanks to children’s charity React.
Louie Meade, from Abertridwr, has difficulty walking, crawling and even sitting unsupported. His parents Kate and Jerry were left frustrated by the prospect that their little boy would not be able to take part in the experiences of other children his age.
Doctors recommended a specialist, carer controlled trike, but costing over £1,000, the trike was beyond their means. They are both full-time carers of Louie and his twin Max as well as looking after, Maisie, 6, and JJ, 4.
Kate, who is 27, said: “Louie and Max were born prematurely at only 29 weeks and although Max was also born with health issues, Louie’s cerebral palsy means he has no mobility at all and requires our attention 24 hours a day.
“Louie is also at risk of life threatening aspiration and sometimes he can literally go for days without sleeping. It really is so difficult caring for him and knowing that he would not be able to go outside and be around other children his age really was a devastating prospect.”
However, on visiting their local children’s centre, the family learned of the children’s charity React which provides a wide-range of equipment to children with life-limiting illnesses.
With the support of Louie’s Occupational Therapist, the family contacted the charity which was able to help by purchasing the specialist trike Louie needed.
Kate added: “This trike has been made specifically for Louie and will provide him with all the support he needs.
“It is going to make a world of difference to his and our lives and will enable him to take part in activities that others may sometimes take for granted. Activities such as simply going to the park will now be possible and we know that this will be so beneficial for him and allow him to be like any other boy his age. Thank you React.”
For more information about React and its work visit www.reactcharity.org