Flinn gets a trike to help him get about

A local boy who his mum describes as “affectionate and smiley” has received the ultimate gift on his 11th birthday. 

Flinn Rogers’ specially adapted trike, which Children Today Charitable Trust helped provide, arrived at his Adfa home on his big day, making his birthday extra special. 

The 11-year-old, who has autism and the developmental age of a four-year-old, loved trying out the tricycles at his school, which gave his family the idea of getting him one of his own. 

Despite trying to have a go on his sister’s bike, Flinn’s unable to balance on an average bike, so couldn’t ride independently. His mum, Lucy, explained when Flinn tried it out, it was very difficult to take her little boy’s weight whilst also assisting him with moving forwards.

When Flinn’s Mission Cycles trike arrived, he was so keen to jump on it and go even before all the packaging had been taken off it! Lucy says: “It couldn’t have been timed more perfectly. He’s been loving it; he’s got a big smile on his face whenever he sits on it.

“I bought him a couple of other bits and bobs for him to open on his birthday and he was so obsessed with the trike that he didn’t even touch them!

“His interests are fairly limited, so just seeing him having fun, moving around and getting really excited about something was amazing. It’s so lovely as a family to see him motivated and enjoying himself.”

During the pandemic, Flinn, who is non-verbal, has ADHD and learning difficulties, had one of his favourite activities - swimming - taken away from him, as pools were closed across the nation. But, fortunately his school remained open throughout, keeping him mentally and physically stimulated.

Lucy explained how, before having the trike at home, it was hard to engage Flinn in outdoor activities as he’s very iPad-driven. She adds: “With the trike, he’s quite happy to surrender his iPad and put it in the basket at the back. 

“He does love to walk but it’s great that we can now engage him in another form of physical exercise which is also fun for him.”

Flinn’s small adult trike, which his grandparents also contributed towards, has an adjustable seat so is set to last him many happy years to come. 

While Flinn is currently enjoying riding around the quiet roads of his village, his family are planning to take his new equipment on a trip away in his grandparent’s campervan in the near future.  

Lucy said: “The physical exercise element of it is really important. Anything we can do to engage and motivate him to take part in physical activity is a bonus, so his trike is absolutely perfect for that.” 

Emma Prescott, Charity Director at Children Today Charitable Trust, adds: “We absolutely love hearing about the positive impact the adapted equipment we help provide has on children like Flinn. 

“With his own specialised trike, this little lad can enjoy getting out and about whenever he likes and experience a true sense of freedom - which every child should be able to have.

“It’s clear that this equipment has opened up a world of opportunities for Flinn and his family members and will help them to create lots of happy and unforgettable memories together. 

“As our small charity relies entirely on voluntary donations to continue supporting families, like Flinn’s, across the UK. We always welcome contributions, no matter how big or small. Each donation makes a big difference to the lives of children and young people living with disabilities who are in desperate need of specially adapted pieces of equipment. Thank you.”

For more information about Children Today, to apply for adapted equipment or to make a donation visit: www.childrentoday.org.uk or call 01244 335622.