“It will be the best present ever!”

A national children’s Charity is calling for the local community to rally behind a fundraising campaign to buy a local disabled boy the Christmas present he’s always wished for.

 

Three-year-old Oliver Wightman, from Carlisle, has Anthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a rare congenital disorder that severely affects his joints and causes muscle weakness. He has undergone surgery and spent a large amount of his life in plaster after being born with dislocated hips, deformalities in both knees and reduced movement in his elbows.

 

National charity, Caudwell Children, is campaigning to help buy a specialist tricycle for  the youngster this Christmas worth £867, which will allow Oliver to ride a bike like he has always wanted to. He has described getting a bike as being “the bestest, bestest, bestest present in the World.”

 

Oliver’s Mother, Ina Wightman, said “For the first time Oliver will be able to enjoy riding a bike like the other children and join in the fun, something he always wants to do.

 

Oliver doesn’t have much movement in his legs, so a normal bike isn’t suitable for him. This would be specially adapted and allow him to ride the tricycle like he has always wanted to, especially when he sees the other children outside.

 

It means he can also spend time with his younger brother, Charlie doing something they both love together.”

The specially adapted Colt Tricycle will also allow Oliver to get vital physiotherapy and help increase his muscle tone, build confidence and promote social inclusion.

 

Oliver’s Dad, Ian Wightman, added “This will really build Oliver’s confidence and help him realise he’s not as different from the other children as he thinks.

 

He has always wanted a bike and now we have this opportunity to get him one. To see Oliver’s face when he gets his own bike would just be amazing. He would simply be over the moon.”

 

Caudwell Children provide direct donations of treatment, therapy and equipment for sick and disabled children throughout the UK. Vital fundraising takes place throughout the year to provide youngsters like Ewan with life changing equipment.

 

Trudi Beswick is the CEO of Caudwell Children, she said: “We are now eager to help aid Oliver’s progress and make this Christmas for him and his family that extra bit special, by providing him with the gift he has always wished for.

 

A bike such as this costs over £800 and we are asking kind-hearted members of the local community to help us provide this life-changing equipment by contributing to the fundraising or by holding their own Charity event. Any help is gratefully received and should we raise over the required amount the funds will be used to support another donation for a similar sick or disabled child.”

 

Anybody wishing to help raise funds for Oliver’s appeal are urged to contact the Charity immediately or visit www.justgiving.com/the-oliver-wightman-appeal.

 

For more information call Claire Proctor on 01782 600262 or email claire.proctor@caudwellchildren.com