Meet Lyall
Adapted trike
Six-year-old Lyall, described by his mum as a “happy, cheeky and affectionate little boy,” has faced more challenges in his short life than many do in a lifetime.
His arrival into the world was traumatic, resulting in damage to his neck. Then, at just six weeks old, Lyall developed sepsis caused by kidney reflux. Thankfully, it was caught in time. Although he recovered, he had to take daily antibiotics until recently to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of recurrent infections.
“Despite everything he went through early on, Lyall seemed to be developing well,” recalls his mum, Courtney. “But at around 18 months old, we noticed he had stopped babbling. He wasn’t saying ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ anymore, and he’d stopped waving and clapping too.”
At first, they attributed it to the effects of COVID lockdowns and the lack of social interaction. As first-time parents, they were still learning. But after Lyall’s two-year developmental check, the family was referred to a paediatrician for further assessment.
Just after his third birthday, Lyall was diagnosed with autism, developmental delay, and hypermobility.
“Lyall is delayed in all areas—communication, interaction, cognitive development, and self-care,” Courtney explains. “He’s non-verbal, which is particularly hard. We don’t always know how much he understands, and it’s clearly frustrating for him not being able to express what he wants or needs.”
In September 2023, Lyall started school. At first, the family used a toddler trike for the school run. But as he grew, it became clear they needed something more suitable.
“We have a specialist buggy, which works well for longer outings, but Lyall wasn’t happy using it for school,” says Courtney. “He would stiffen up, try to wriggle out of the straps—it clearly made him feel different from the other children.”
Because of his autism and hypermobility, traditional bikes and scooters weren’t an option, and walking to school quickly became overwhelming. “He tires very easily, and what should be a short walk would often take twice as long and leave all of us exhausted,” Courtney says.
Then came the turning point: a specialist trike designed for children like Lyall.
Lyall’s trike has been been life-changing, according to him mum, Courtney
“I can honestly say it’s been life-changing,” Courtney beams.
“Lyall loves being outdoors—he’s so curious and full of wonder. With this trike, which has puncture-proof tyres, we’re no longer restricted to smooth, buggy-friendly paths. We can go into the woods, explore nature, and enjoy time together as a family.”
Lyall can enjoy being out in nature on his new trike
The trike has also brought unexpected social benefits. “He rides it around the village and is like a little local celebrity,” Courtney smiles.
“He’s so proud, and we’ve noticed such a positive change in his mood.”
Best of all, the trike will grow with Lyall. As he develops, the family hopes to teach him how to pedal, increasing his independence and mobility.
“The impact has been huge—not just for Lyall, but for all of us,” says Courtney. “It’s taken so much of the stress away and has given us the gift of being able to do the things we love, together.”
Since receiving the trike, Lyall’s family are now able do the things they love, together.
Can you help us help more children, like Lyall, whose family are now able to explore the great outdoors together as a family thanks to his trike?
Your donation, whether small or large could make a BIG difference!
