Cycling with a Smile
As part of Variety Ireland’s Recycle Mobility Programme supported by Minister Anne Rabbitte from The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, we recently were able to support the purchase of a special wheelchair bike for the W.A.T.C.H Club in Co Louth which this wheelchair bike allows children with disabilities to experience the joys of cycling with their family and friends. One special young man to benefit from this wheelchair bike is 14-year-old Liam from Dundalk. Here is a special message of thank you that the charity received from Liam’s mother Ciara, explaining how this wheelchair bike has changed her son’s life.
“Dear Variety Ireland Team
I would like to express my most sincere thanks and gratitude to all at Variety Ireland and Minister Anne Rabbitte for providing special funding for a rickshaw wheelchair bike through your Recycle Mobility Programme to the W.A.T.C.H cycling club in Co Louth.
Liam has Global Development Mental Delay and is unable to cycle a bike for himself. This bike ensures children like my son Liam and other children with disabilities in the club can experience what it is like to be on a bike and feel the excitement and wind in their faces when they are being cycled around thanks to wonderful and caring volunteers at the club who include Paul Callan, Mark Duffy and Kevin McKey.
This trike is a real game changer for Liam as he gets so much excitement and joy when the lads come to pick him up and bring him out for a cycle on the rickshaw. It has really lifted all of our spirits, especially Liam’s as it makes him so happy when he is out and about on the bike as it makes him feel included and part of cycling activities with other children and people.
Every child regardless of their ability should get to experience the joys of cycling. Thank to yourselves and Minister Anne Rabbitte, you have made this happen for Liam and other children who are part of the club.
Again, we are so grateful to you both for making this happen and ensuring lots of happy smiley faces on children like Liam so they too can be included in outdoor activities with their family and friends.
Your Recycle Mobility Programme is a game changer in providing cycling opportunities for children with disabilities. Well done and thank you so much!”
Liam’s mother
