Nine-year-old Caden, based in Clackmannanshire, was facing potential months of limited exercise at the start of the UK lockdown in March.
We speak to his mother, Stacy, on how the wellbeing of the entire family improved thanks to the donation of a tricycle via the Smith-Magenis Syndrome Foundation.
Caden’s at an age now where bikes are hard work for him; he’s too big for commercial tricycles and stabilisers don’t fit on bigger bikes. Due to the nature of SMS, the concentration needed to balance on a bike is simply too much for him.
At the start of lockdown, amongst everything else, I was concerned about us being able to spend time outdoors as a family and what that would mean for our wellbeing. Caden has a four-year-old brother too and being cooped up in doors all day, everyday wasn’t the ideal situation for any of us.
Initially, Caden’s school had kindly loaned him a tricycle but we then got in touch with the SMS Foundation after hearing about the great work they were doing. They were able to donate a tricycle fit for Caden’s height and ability, which sounded almost too good to be true at the time. Now, none of us can imagine life without.
Exercise has always been a struggle, as well as the motivation around it, it was clear to see Caden felt embarrassed that he couldn’t get out and about on a bike; as a mother, it was incredibly heart-breaking to see him struggle with something which comes at such ease for those around him.
“The tricycle has been a wonderful boost to his confidence, it’s been amazing. ”
Now, he’s eager to get out, it’s fantastic. Lockdown has come with its own pressures and the SMS Foundation has been brilliant in providing tailored advice for any behavioural changes and methods to help calm situations. Alongside the tricycle donation, they’ve truly been a saviour over the last few months!
Your Support helps children like Caden
A donation to the Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) Foundation UK helps us to improve the quality of life of a person living with SMS through our Small Grants Programme.