Last week got off to a wonderful start at Castle Gardens, as John and Pauline Eke came in to present 18 year old Callum Watson with his first tricycle. Callum was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome as a young boy, a genetic condition which is the most common known cause of inherited learning disabilities, and visited us last December to ask Father Christmas for the bike. In the true spirit of the season, Father Christmas then managed to persuade his good friend John Eke to raise the £765 required to pay for the tricycle, which is designed to fold away so it can be easily transported.

It was a truly special moment and I’m sure it gave John and Pauline great pleasure to see how happy Callum was with his new set of wheels, having been fundraising around their hometown of Evershot since Christmas. Inspired by their commitment to the cause, we decided to match the funds already raised and are delighted that Callum was able to get his first bike in time for summer.

It’s not every day you get the opportunity to help make someone’s Christmas wish a reality and getting your first bike is a big moment for anyone, so it really was an unforgettable afternoon and we all hope the family have a great time on their cycle rides this summer.

To find out more about Fragile X Syndrome visit www.fragilex.org.uk.

Mike