SUPPORTERS of a nine-year-old Oxfordshire boy with cerebral palsy are hoping to buy him a specialist bike so he can join in with his friends.
A fundraising campaign has been started to help Jacob Hutchinson to get a custom bicycle made so he can enjoy days out as much as other boys his age.
The youngster, who lives in Didcot, was born early and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age.
He now needs a wheelchair to get around which often leaves him housebound and frustrated.
Family friend Loz Lawrence, who started a Go Fund Me page with Jacob’s mum Chelsea Smith, said: “All he wants to do is be out with his friends and join in, unfortunately that’s not as easy for him as it is others.
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“At the moment he often has to sit back and watch as his other friends play.
“This would just give him that little bit of independence so that when his mates come around, he can go and join in.
“He’s an amazing boy and he’s overcome so many challenges. If we could do this for him, we’d all be so pleased.”
The crowdfunding campaign was started last weekend by Ms Lawrence and has already raised £319 of its £1,500 target.
The group are working with Didcot-based charity shop Changing Lives which gives out grants and donations to people in need using profits raised in the shop.
Half the money raised will be given to Changing Lives as a thank you while the other half will pay for the Gloucester-based Tomcat to design the bike from scratch.
This organisation specialises in building trikes for children and adults with disabilities to make it easier for them to get around.
Ms Lawrence, whose daughter Lillie-Ann, 8, is one of Jacob’s best friends at the Stephen Freeman Primary School in Didcot, said: “He wouldn’t be able to ride a regular bicycle.
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“This one allows him to use his hands to pedal.
“It would make a huge difference to him.
“The more we can raise awareness and the more people hear about it would be amazing.”
As well as the online fundraising page, supporters plan to hold events including cake sales later in the year to help boost their cause.
Those donating so far have been leaving comments in support of Jacob on the website.
Julie Harvey said ‘every child should have a bike’ while Samantha Brooks said: “I believe every child should be able to experience everything life can offer.”
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