Meet Abi-Rose
Adapted trike
The Burkedin family from Caerphilly is celebrating the newfound freedom and independence of their four-year-old daughter, Abi-Rose – who they describe as “always happy and smiling”, thanks to a specially adapted trike.
Abi-Rose Burkedin has full-body cerebral palsy. Her mum, Rachel, recalls:
“When Abi-Rose was born, she seemed perfectly healthy. We didn’t realise there was anything wrong until she was about 11 months old.”
The family received the diagnosis around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. After numerous tests, including MRI scans and lumbar punctures, they discovered that Abi-Rose had experienced a stroke during pregnancy, likely occurring during birth, leading to her cerebral palsy, which affects her whole body.
Rachel explains:
“Although Abi-Rose wasn’t meeting the usual milestones, it never occurred to us that she could have cerebral palsy. So, it was a big shock for us!”
Despite the challenges she faces, Abi-Rose expressed a desire for a bike, prompting her parents to explore possibilities.
“We weren’t sure it would be possible, but went along to a bike scheme at Tredegar Park in Newport,” Rachel shares. “She tried a little pink Tomcat trike, and although it wasn’t quite right for her, as she needed much more support, it was clear that she loved it.”
The family contacted the supplier, Tomcat, who provided a demo at Abi-Rose’s school and her assessed her specific needs.
Rachel continues:
“We were absolutely thrilled that Abi-Rose had taken so well to riding a bike, as not only is it great for socialising with her friends but it also offers an opportunity to get exercise in a fun way.
“We have other equipment for Abi-Rose to enable her to get out and about, like her pram and Whizzy Bug, a powered wheelchair for children, but nothing that helps her with getting regular exercise, which is really important.
“It’s not like going to your local toy or bike shop and picking something ‘off the shelf’ though. Abi-Rose has complex needs and so required something tailored to those needs but that means it comes with a high price-tag!”
Facing financial constraints, Abi-Rose’s parents reached out to several charities for support. Thanks to the generosity of Children Today and Lifeline4Kids, Abi-Rose now owns her very own trike.
The trike, which can be dismantled for transportation and comes equipped with harnesses, straps, and back support, enables Abi-Rose to pedal independently, providing her with a sense of joy and inclusion.
Rachel adds:
“Since starting school in September 2023, Abi-Rose has made great friends and continues to inspire those around her with her resilience and spirit. Abi-Rose is aware of her limits, but she’s very determined and independent, and embraces life to the fullest.
“The trike has become an integral part of her life. She loves being able to join her friends playing in the street and in the warmer months she’s out on it all the time. We’ve added tassels on the handle-bars, a bell and even her own private number plate with her name on. It’s her pride and joy!
“We would never have been able to afford it without the support from Children Today and Lifeline4Kids, so we are just so grateful that they’ve given our little girl this glorious gift of freedom, independence and inclusion!”