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A four-year-old girl with cerebral palsy has been able to enjoy “freedom, independence, and inclusion” thanks to a specially-adapted trike.

Abi-Rose Burkedin, from Caerphilly, is now able to “embrace life to the fullest” after getting the bike she dreamed of having.

Her mother, Rachel, said: “When Abi-Rose was born, she seemed perfectly healthy. We didn’t realise there was anything wrong until she was about 11-months-old.”

After numerous tests, it was discovered that Abi-Rose had experienced a stroke during the pregnancy, possibly during birth.

Rachel explained: “Although Abi-Rose wasn’t meeting the usual milestones, it never occurred to us that she could have cerebral palsy. So, it was a big shock for us.” 

Despite the challenges facing her, Abi-Rose dreamed of having her own bike, prompting her parents to look into different options.

While attending a bike event in Newport, Abi-Rose tried out a trike and loved it – but it wasn’t quite right for her as she needed more support.

The family contacted the trike supplier, Tomcat, which provided a demo at Abi-Rose’s school and assessed her needs. 

Rachel continued: “We were absolutely thrilled that Abi-Rose had taken so well to riding a bike, as not only is it great for socialising with her friends but it also offers an opportunity to get exercise in a fun way.

“It’s not like going to your local toy or bike shop and picking something off the shelf though. Abi-Rose has complex needs and so required something tailored to those needs – but that means it comes with a high price-tag.”

Due to the high costs involved, Abi-Rose’s parents reached out to several charities for support, with Children Today and Lifeline4Kids stepping in to help.

Abi-Rose’s trike, which can be dismantled for transportation, comes with a harness, straps, and back support, which allows her to pedal independently.

Since starting school last September, Abi-Rose has made “great friends” and “continues to inspire those around her with her resilience and spirit,” Rachel said.

“Abi-Rose is aware of her limits, but she’s very determined and independent, and embraces life to the fullest.

“The trike has become an integral part of her life. She loves being able to join her friends playing in the street and in the warmer months she’s out on it all the time.

“We’ve added tassels on the handle-bars, a bell and even her own private number plate with her name on. It’s her pride and joy.”

She added: “We would never have been able to afford it without the support from Children Today and Lifeline4Kids, so we are just so grateful that they’ve given our little girl this glorious gift of freedom, independence and inclusion.”

Children Today director Emma Prescott said: “It’s fantastic to see that, thanks to her special trike, Abi-Rose can enjoy that experience and be included. You can’t put a price on inclusion.”

Michael Harris, spokesperson for Lifeline4Kids, said: “As a voluntary-run organisation, we always do our best to help families without sufficient funds to purchase vital equipment, and often work with families to secure full funding from other charities, like Children Today, when we are not able to donate the full amount.

“It was our pleasure to be able to help little Abi-Rose.”