7-year-old Zachery loves cuddles, going to school and being around friends at school – and he especially loves his new trike!
“The trike has given him so much more mobility,” says his Mum, Nicky. “It’s been an amazing addition for our family. It means we can go for walks together and we can go further – as well as walking to and from school. Even during school activities, the teacher aide takes him on his trike so he can keep up with the other kids. In summer, it will be amazing.”
Importantly, the trike can be completely adapted to Zachery’s needs, including height settings which can be adjusted as he grows. “It’ll grow with him until he’s about 10 or 12 years old,” says Nicky. “He’s never going to be able to ride a bike, but this gives him the ability to be like other kids and go places. By next year, he’ll hopefully be using it independently.”
The trike isn’t the family’s first grant from the Wilson Home Trust – in 2023, Zachery was delighted to receive a new iPad, thanks to one of our Equipment and Activities Grants.
“The tablet is his greatest joy,” says Nicky. “He’s very good with technology, so it’s given him more autonomy. He loves watching Thomas the Tank Engine, phonics and learning games – and he likes to change channels all the time. The iPad means he can choose what he wants to watch and do – rather than pointing and waiting for me to change channels. It also gives me a break to get jobs done!”
In 2024, the family successfully applied for one of our holiday grants as well. With a limit of $2300, these grants enable families and caregivers to have a much-needed break.
“We went to the Tasman Miranda holiday park – it was brilliant,” Nicky explains. “We had a lovely two-bedroom, self-contained unit. I took Zachery, my other son Ashton and his best friend. The two older boys would go off and swim, play tennis or mini putt, while Zachery and I would swim for hours. It was wonderful to be somewhere so family-friendly, which made it very easy for me.”
All the grants have been invaluable, both for Zachery and his family. “First of all, the iPad – it’s in use right now,” says Nicky. ‘Then having that amazing holiday, and now, the trike which make a difference for years to come. Thank you so much – the grants really have been life-changing for us.”