Faith is a happy, motivated 11-year-old who absolutely adores her new trike. Thanks to a grant from the Wilson Home Trust, she can get out and about, feel more included, and have some fun.
Faith has cerebral palsy and can’t always move her limbs easily, especially her hands and feet. But she can – and loves to – ride her trike.
“She is a quiet but very happy child,” says her mum, Jess. “She likes to observe people and take it all in. She loves being outside, swimming, riding her trike – like any kid, she just wants to have fun.”
A trike of her own
For years, the family borrowed trikes that were never quite the right size. “Some were far too big, so we had to adjust them with cushions to secure her,” explains Jess. “We did that for years, then we thought it was time to get her one of her own.”
Faith’s physiotherapist, Louise, suggested they visit the Disability Expo, where they met the team from a trike company. “They were really amazing,” says Jess. “Together with Louise, we thought, how can we achieve this dream for her?” Jess then had a chat with Chris from the Wilson Home Trust and applied for a grant.
Earlier this year, the trike arrived. “It has changed her life!” says Jess. “She can be included in school activities when they have trike days, and importantly, she gets some physical exercise. She loves to chat and sing as she paddles along. The excitement of being able to ride with the neighbours is huge – and she loves the attention, because it looks really cool too.”
Faith now rides to and from school, and to physio appointments close to home. “Without it, we couldn’t do much at all,” says Jess. Because the trike is adjustable, it should last her around ten years.
Part of the support team
The trike is just one of many grants from the Wilson Home Trust. When Faith was younger, she received grants for hydrotherapy, and the family received a grant for a holiday so could go away together and have some time to themselves. “The Trust has always been part of our team during different stages of her life,” says Jess. “I’m so appreciative of their help.”
The family also attend’s the Trust’s Christmas functions and other events, where they get to know other families in similar situations. Jess stays in touch with Chris and the team when they visit the Wilson Home rehabilitation centre – and when Faith had surgery on her back and hips, they stayed in the home’s newly-built respite villas.
“It’s tough on Faith, emotionally and physically, but she is a very motivated girl,” says her Mum. “She puts up with the physio and all the other appointments – she has gone through so much in her lifetime. Her older brother, Nathan, is always there too, coming along to the Christmas gatherings and spending time with her during rehab. It’s hard on him too, but he’s a wonderful big brother.”
“The Wilson Home is an amazing place. It’s like home away from home. Caring for a child living with a disability can be really hard, and I don’t know what I would do without that support. Knowing you have the team on your side, you feel so cared for.”
“These grants are so important, so valuable, for families,” Jess reflects. “It’s made a huge difference to our lives. I’m very grateful. I want to thank Wilson Home Trust, and the team. Their support has meant so much to us.”
An Equipment or Activity Grant can mean the world to someone living with a physical disability. If you’d like to help us fund more, please donate today.
