YOUNG Lucas Turnbull can exercise his legs outdoors, despite his cerebral palsy, thanks to a specially-designed tricycle bought by a local charity.

The three-year-old was given the £1,100 trike by Dorset Children’s Foundation at its shop in Christchurch Road last week, and he has already taken it to watch the Bournemouth Marathon.

He suffers from a form of cerebral palsy called spastic diplegia, which gives him pain and tightness in his legs and hips.

His family – mum Sara, dad Michael and one-year-old brother Sebastian – recently launched a £50,000 appeal to send Lucas to America for an operation called selective dorsal rhizotomy, which will allow him to walk.

Mrs Turnbull, of Palmerston Road, Parkstone, said: “We’re so lucky to get this trike, it means some real freedom for Lucas who otherwise would be confined to his buggy.

“It will also help get his legs stronger, and we’re very grateful to the foundation.”

She said that thanks to an article in the Echo last month they had already raised £26,000, more than half of their total, and the foundation has dedicated its Christmas appeal to Lucas, with various events to help his family reach their target by next March.

“It is a very encouraging time for our family at the moment, everyone has been so generous ,” she said.

Foundation trustee Patsy Hallmey said: “When we met Lucas we fell in love with him, he is such a lovely little boy and his family are working so hard to raise the funds.

“The trike is a fantastic piece of kit and it looks like a normal bike, which is great because Lucas can feel like any other little boy.”

To donate, visit justgiving. com/Lucas-FindingMyFeet, or text FEET56£3 to 70070 to donate £3.

£20,000 for foundation

SINCE opening in mid-March the Dorset Children’s Foundation has raised more than £20,000 to spend on local sick and disabled children.
Among the causes supported was Skye Cowan’s successful appeal for funding for a selective dorsal rhizotomy, covered in the Daily Echo, to which they donated £5,343.
Other beneficiaries include Springbourne and Southbourne children’s centres, Highcliffe School, the Bournemouth Community Food Bank and trips and equipment for several Dorset children with illnesses and disabilities.
Patsy Hallmey, one of the trustees, who all hail from Southbourne, said: “We’ve had a fantastic start and it has been very emotional.”
The charity is opening its second shop at Pokesdown Railway Station in the next two weeks, with vintage clothing and furnishings.
To volunteer or for support, call 01202 390011.