New trike is perfect present for Bradley

They raised more than 2,000 to buy a specially-adapted trike which will allow Bradley Conway to join other children when they are cycling.

Bradley has cerebral palsy and sitting on the saddle will be another sign of progress in his young life.

Bradley has already chosen the colour '“ metallic blue '“ for his trike. He said: "I'm looking forward to getting a trike. It will be fun riding it and means I will be able to go out with other children."

That day should be happening soon. The trike was ordered on Tuesday, August 26, and is due to be delivered to his North Bersted Street home in three to six weeks as the result of the Bradley's Magic Wheels appeal.

Those behind the appeal held a family fun day at The Bush Inn, in The Hornet, Chichester, last Saturday where a large turnout of supporters made it a successul occasion.

Money-spinning activities included face painting, karaoke, a raffle and an auction with prizes such as a Mercedes sports car for a weekend, a jacket from the BBC series Hustler and free horse-riding lessons. Companies large and small offered their support to the occasion.

The initial total raised amounted to 2,668 by Tuesday. More money was still arriving. This easily pays for the 2,000 maximum cost of the trike and could also enable a wheelchair to be bought.

Bradley's mother Frankie Nother (32) said: "It was an absolutely fantastic day. There were lots of people there and we raised more than we expected. I am so grateful to all the family and friends who went along to support us.

She is looking forward to the trike arriving. "Bradley had a couple of days on a trike at his school. It was so overwhelming for me to see him on it," she said. "I had been told he was never going to walk and he was never going to talk.

"Having his own trike is going to give him the freedom to go out with other children.

"Every other child has a bike. Learning to ride is part of growing up and I've fond memories of my dad teaching me to ride.

"I have never had that with Bradley and it's really important for him as a learning process to get on that trike."

Barnham Primary School pupil Bradley has undergone various medical procedures to overcome his condition. These included an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London last year which flattened his feet after surgeons cut his tendons.

This has allowed him to walk around without the need for support.

His trike will have special pedals to stop his feet slipping and a harness around his stomach to keep him upright.

A likely destination for him on his trike will be a cul-de-sac near his home where his friends play, watched by their mums.

"What Bradley has done has been absolutely amazing," said Frankie. "To have that freedom on a trike and playing with his friends will be another good thing for him.

"Whatever Bradley's done, he's gone at it with 100 per cent positivity. He has been brilliant.

"It's been me who has been upset but he's said to me 'Mum, it's all right. Let's get on with it'.

"He has pushed me through things, which is amazing for a little chap."

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP.