My name is Nadia, and I am raising funds for my 9-year-old son, Ali, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA Type 1).

Ali has significant muscle weakness, particularly in his legs, as well as scoliosis and reduced trunk and sitting control. He uses a wheelchair for mobility and cannot safely use a standard bicycle or tricycle.

Ali has been assessed by Tomcat, a specialist mobility equipment provider, and they recommended a Tomcat Apprentice Arrow adapted trike with specialist adaptations and postural support designed specifically for his needs.

For Ali, this trike would mean so much more than simply having a bicycle. It would give him the opportunity to be active, enjoy the outdoors, participate alongside other children and experience greater independence and freedom. It would allow him to enjoy activities with his family in a way that is currently very difficult because of his physical limitations.

The total cost of the specialist trike is £5,958. This is a significant amount for our family, and I am therefore reaching out to charities, organisations, family, friends and anyone who may be able to help.

I am a single mother and Ali’s full-time carer, so I am unable to work and meeting the cost of specialist equipment is extremely difficult. I am doing everything I can to raise the funds needed, and every donation, no matter how small, will bring Ali one step closer to having his trike.

Your support could help give Ali something very special: the chance to move, explore, participate and enjoy his childhood with greater independence.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.