Appeal to raise £775 for Compton Bassett boy’s adapted bike (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Appeal to raise £775 for Compton Bassett boy’s adapted bike

1:00pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

Fundraisers have launched a bid to buy a special tricycle for four-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Mason Haley.

The youngster, of Briar Leaze, Compton Bassett, was starved of oxygen at birth when the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. As a result he has cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and learning disabilities.

His parents, Tina, 32, and Trevor, 33 – a tyre fitter – wanted him to be able to ride a bike and now the charity Caudwell Children has launched an appeal to buy a £775 specialist therapy tricycle.

Mason was born prematurely at 34 weeks in the special care baby unit at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

The trauma of his birth caused a bleed on the brain. At the time he weighed just over four pounds and Mason’s family were told to prepare for the worst as he was put on a life support machine.

The following day they decided to turn off the machine but miraculously, as everything stopped, he began to breathe on his own.

The new equipment means Mason, a pupil at St Nicholas School in Chippenham, will be able to help strengthen his legs, aid his co-ordination and balance and boost his confidence through playing with other youngsters.

Mrs Haley hopes the trike will mean she and her husband can take Mason cycling with his big sister, seven-year-old Amelia.

Over the past couple of years the couple have raised more than £600 for the special care baby unit with events at the Woodlands Club in Calne.

She said: “Mason is a little superstar. He is always happy despite all the medication he is on and the struggles he faces every day. We were told Mason would never sit up or walk, and through hard work and determination he is achieving these amazing things.

“The therapy tricycle will do wonders for him. It will be brilliant in helping strengthen his legs and help with his posture.

“It will also help Mason see things from a different perspective, away from his wheelchair and walking frame.”

Caudwell Children chief executive Trudi Beswick said: “We are anxious to get as much support as possible from the community, no matter how big or small, so equipment like this can be made available for other children – but we can’t do it alone.”

Caudwell Children wants to hear from anyone who can stage a fundraising event, raffle or make a donation.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/Mason-H, text MSON55 £2 to 70070, or call Mary Rose at Caudwell Children on (01782) 600433.