AN EIGHT-year-old boy from Rhyl received a surprise gift from a charity which has “completely changed” his life.
Jenson McEvilly received a disability trike from Rhyl-based charity Belief, which cost more than £1,200 and which he knew nothing about before he was presented with it by its founder, Steve Evans, on October 16.
His mother, Loreen, had contacted Belief to see if it could help Jenson, who has autism, and who has limited movement in his legs and feet.
He also suffers with dysplasia, which means unlike his two brothers, he cannot ride a regular bike.
Loreen said the donation of the bike has been an “amazing” change to Jenson’s life.
She said: “Jenson’s calf muscles are too short for his legs, and his ankles only have 90-degree movement, so he can’t move his feet properly.
“He has to have his shoes especially made by the NHS, unless we get a pair of trainers two sizes too big for him.
“I kept it (trike) a secret from him. Because they cost so much, we didn’t know if we’d get one – but on the day it was delivered, he was crying; he was so happy.
“It’s made him more independent; he can go out with his friends more now. With his disabilities, it’s hard because he can’t do activities his friends do.
“We go on family bike rides together now, and it’s really helping his fitness, as well as his mental health. If he could be out on that bike all day, every day, he would be.”
Loreen said Jenson has been riding his trike every other day since receiving it.
She thanked Belief for the charity’s “amazing” generosity.
“I think it’s amazing what Belief have done for him,” Loreen said.
“I can’t put into words how thankful as a family we are for the help.
“Jenson’s brothers have bikes, and he used to feel really emotional that he couldn’t do the same thing.
“His life has completely changed. He’s not having emotional meltdowns anymore; he’s enjoying life, and he’s excited to wake up in the morning and go out on his trike.”
Steve Evans, founder of Belief, added: “On hearing of Jenson’s condition, we wasted no time in purchasing an disability trike in order for him to be able to play with his friends and brothers.
“I’m pleased to say he absolutely loves it.”
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