Christmas was extra special for a young boy called Sonny, as he received his very first trike thanks to Variety Ireland’s Trikes for Life campaign.
For the first time ever, Sonny was able to join in with his family and friends on bike rides and got to enjoy the fun, freedom and inclusion that these specialised trikes can offer many children. They are not only an incredible benefit to a child’s physical health, but also have a positive impact on a child’s mental well-being.
These trikes are part of our Recycle Mobility Programme that aims to upcycle these trikes once child grows out of them, so that even more children can get to experience new opportunities just like Sonny has!
Sonny’s mum writes:
“Dear Variety Ireland
I want to thank you and all the team for supplying a special mobility trike to our child Sonny. You have no idea what this means to us as a family. The smile on his face in the videos and photos says it all. He is just so happy and excited to be able to get outdoors and cycle. This trike is a real game changer for us as a family as it allows Sonny to be included in outdoor activities which up to now was a real struggle. The fact that these trikes have to be special built and cost so much money puts them beyond reach of normal working-class families in Ireland like ourselves Thanks to your charity, Sonny now has equal access to be able to cycle with his friends and other family members, it’s just brilliant and a real-life changer for us as a family. The great thing is, Sonny wants to be outside all the time now on his new trike which has given himself and all of us a new lease of life. It’s great as we can all explore the outdoors together as a family. This is great not only for Sonny’s own mental and physical well-being, but ours as a family as well. Exercise, fun and opportunity is what you have given Sonny and his family.
What a wonderful charity to have representing children with disabilities in our wonderful county. It’s so heart-warming to see government ministers like Minister Anne Rabbitte, Minister Eamon Ryan realising the importance and benefits in supporting your beautiful and brave child ambassador “Saoirse Ruane’s Recycle Mobility Programme” Saoirse is such a strong young lady and an inspiration to all children not only in Ireland but around the world. Your programme doesn’t forget children with disabilities and gives hope and opportunity to children with disabilities across Ireland so they too can be included in cycling activities with their family and friends.
From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you so much Variety Ireland, Minister Rabbitte, Minister Ryan and of course the wonderful Saoirse. Well done to you all and keep up the good work.”
Love
Donna (Sonny’s mother)
