Sally's World

Did you have cycling proficiency tests at school? You know the week, where every day a group of people came in to the school, gave you hints on riding and manoeuvring, then took you out on the road to make sure you knew all about road safety…you even get a certificate, which comes in handy when you want to prove to your parents that you are old enough and responsible enough to go out on the road without them….of course being brought home by the local policewoman for stunt riding in the town centre negates it all, but oh well!!! (one of my brothers not me)

So Deion’s school this week are doing just this, and Deion can join in, but only because Deion has a specially adapted tricycle, it is ultra cool, with Harley style handlebars, special pedals with ankle straps to hold his feet in and a special body brace and harness on top of the saddle. He loves it, it gets his legs moving and it means he can join in with everyone else.

But then I realised, there are two other kids in wheelchairs, who can’t join in, because they haven’t got a bike/tricycle…of course, they are ultra expensive to buy, we fund raised and got the variety club to help with Deion’s, but it wasn’t easy, there is a waiting list, there’s forms and criteria, and as with everything else it means a contribution. Not everyone has it, not now a days, so there are kids missing out on the usual stuff, stuff we all take for granted.

I was talking to Trojan (Trojans corner) and we were discussing how Deion is at that age now where he is realising he can’t do what his friends can. It breaks my heart to think of him having to look on while his friends do all the things he wishes he could. At least this is one thing he can do. And he is thoroughly enjoying it, I’m so proud of him, he’s coming home with his legs aching but a big grin on his face….what more can I ask.