Meet Sam
Adapted trike
Sam Stockdale has Angelman syndrome – a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and learning disabilities. He also has epilepsy and is visually impaired, meaning he is unable to ride a regular bike.
Having recently grown out of his previous trike, Sam’s family were keen to secure a new one, knowing the positive impact it had on his physical health and wellbeing.
Sam has Angelman syndrome, epilepsy and is visually impaired, meaning he is unable to ride a regular bike.
Sam’s mum, Emma Stockdale, explains:
“Sam’s a very active boy who absolutely loves the outdoors and has a real sense of adventure, but he needs assistance with every aspect of day-to-day life.
“It’s very important that Sam gets regular exercise to help build and maintain his muscle tone and he’s recently been diagnosed with scoliosis – curvature of the spine – so needs regular physiotherapy. The trike helps him get the regular movement he needs – it’s like physio without him knowing it!”
Emma reached out to Children Today for support towards securing a Tomcat Bullet trike, which has special adaptations to meet Sam’s needs, including a chest harness, callipers for his legs and a bespoke steering wheel.
Emma continues:
“It’s been amazing to see Sam enjoying his new trike. It brings him so much joy!
“We live on a farm and having the trike means he’s able to get around it safely. He loves hanging out with his dad, while he’s working on the farm, and visiting the cows and calves. The outdoors is Sam’s happy place – it’s the best therapy for him!”
Sam’s trike means he can visit the cows on the farm where he lives more easily.
The specialist adaptations also allow Sam to be more independent as he gets older.
Emma comments:
“Sam’s never been able to steer using handlebars. We’ve always had to use the parent steering control at the back to keep him safe, but he’s doing really well handling the new trike, and he can pedal it so fast. I’m getting lots of exercise myself trying to keep up with him!
“It’s also very portable. The trike folds down so we can fit it in the boot of the car, which means we can take it with us on family days out. Sam struggles to walk long distance, and we used to use a buggy, but as he gets older it’s nice to have something that feels more grown up and fun when he gets too tired to walk!”
Sam’s trike is designed to grow with him, meaning it will last for many years. It can also be attached to an adult bike, allowing his parents to take him on longer rides with his three younger siblings.
Emma adds:
“Sam’s brothers and sister adore him, but growing up with a disabled sibling can be challenging. Sam needs a lot of our time and energy, so having something we can all enjoy together really matters.”
Sam is enjoying bike rides and spending time with his siblings.
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