Boy’s adapted bike arrives in time for Christmas thanks to community fundraising efforts

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Seven-year-old Zac Davies, who was born with his left arm shorter than his right, was surprised with his custom-built Sonic the Hedgehog bike just in time for Christmas.

Over £1,500 was raised by the local community for Zac, who is a pupil at Ty’n y Wern Primary School, which was then given to cycling charity, Pedal Power, to build Zac a pair of adapted bikes.

Local football club Trethomas Bluebirds played a big role in the ‘Cycle 4 Zac’ campaign, and invited Zac and his classmates along to their charity football match against Manchester United last summer where most of the money needed was raised.

Since then, Pedal Power has been building two bikes which will allow Zac to ride a bike, as well as teaching him how to ride one.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Zac’s mum, Sammie Patfield, said: “Zac was given the bike by the school the day before they broke-up for Christmas; it was a complete surprise to him.

“We have the Sonic one at home which has stabilisers on, and the school has a bigger one for when Zac has grown.

“The weather has been awful so he hasn’t had the chance to actually ride it yet, but he can’t wait. He’s so excited.”

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer previously, Ty’n y Wern headteacher Sophie Goodliffe said it is the school’s goal to get every child to ride a bike before they leave and that Zac was “no exception”.