A Hastings youngster, who has a rare chromosome disorder, has received a specially adapted trike thanks to St Leonards based, Charity for Kids.
Chloe, 9, has a unique chromosome disorder leading to learning difficulties, delayed expressive speech, gross and fine motor delay, sensory disorder and hypermobility along with delayed growth.
Chloe’s mum, Sandie White, heard about Charity for Kids through her daughter’s physiotherapist, who suggested that the youngster would benefit from a specially adapted trike suitable for her needs and Sandie contacted the charity.
Founder and Chairman of Charity for Kids, Paul Harris, says the trike Chloe needed cost £1300 and it was not possible for the family to fund it themselves. “After we agreed to fund the trike for Chloe her family wanted to ‘give something back’ and decided on a few fundraising ideas,” he said. “They knew that we had our annual Gala night coming up and Chloe’s dad, Steve, a qualified electrician, very kindly donated two days of his labour skills for us to auction on the night, which raised £175.”
Chloe also wanted to help and did her own little ‘Tour de Force’ with a sponsored trike ride around her Westfield School playground. Paul said: “She managed to do five laps of the playground and this was no easy task with her physical disabilities. “Chloe raised an amazing £300 by doing this!”
Westfield School helped the charity agreeing that Sandie and two other Mums, Sarah Burnage and Sarah Warner, could have a stall at their fete on which they sold many items kindly donated including plants, hand crocheted blankets, games, puzzles, clothes, and books along with a tombola and the chance to ‘win a bear’.
The following weekend Chloe’s parents held a BBQ at their home to raise further funds. They charged a small entry fee for the adults to cover the cost of the food and people kindly donated cakes which were raffled on the day along with other prizes.
Paul said: “In total the family raised over £1400 for Charity for Kids – more than Chloe’s Trike cost!
“We really can’t thank the family and their friends enough. We are all volunteers and rely heavily on others. This is a fantastic example of how people can raise funds to enable us to help even more sick, disabled and terminally ill children. Thank you.”