A two year old boy is now able to scoot along on the school run with his siblings

A two year old boy is now able to scoot along on the school run with his siblings, thanks to Community Link Foundation.

Joshua Shears has cerebral palsy and has reduced balance and mobility. He is one of five children and each day on the school run his mum had been worrying how to take him along safely. His mum has just had a new baby so while a lot of families would use a buggy board for their toddler, Joshua cannot grasp firmly with his left hand so it is not safe for him to use one. He would be at risk of falling and injuring himself. The use of a double buggy is inconsistent with physiotherapists’ advice who want to promote his mobility for short journeys.

His occupational therapist, Jenny Benge, approached Community Link Foundation about the possibility of buying a sit on buggy board for him to climb on when he fatigues and practise his walking within his limits.

Community Link Foundation donated £115 to the family to enable them to buy a buggy board with seat and hand-rail for Joshua. The buggy board has already made a huge difference to Joshua and his family, enabling them to go on outings together.

Mum, Vicky, says it has transformed their life by giving them their freedom back. She said: “I would like to say a very big thank you to Community Link Foundation. I honestly can’t thank them enough. It’s given me and Josh our freedom back and made our life so much easier.”

Enda Rylands, chairperson of Community Link Foundation, said: “We are really pleased that we were able to provide this for Joshua and we are delighted to know that it has made such a difference to him and his family already. We are very grateful to all our supporters who donate to us and make grants like this possible.”