Max is a 6-year-old boy from Devon. He enjoys spending time outdoors and watering plants around the house. He loves spending time with his older brother Theo and wants to start karate with him when he’s old enough.
Max has Erb’s Palsy, which has caused significant loss of sensation, movement, and strength in his right shoulder, arm, and hand. This affects his balance, coordination, and posture and makes it difficult for him to do many daily tasks on his own. He has had various surgeries over the years to help try and improve the movement in his arm, but still has difficulty with his right upper torso.
One of the activities Max dreamed about most was one day being able to ride a bike with his brother, to go fast and not worry about falling off and hurting himself. Max’s family applied to AFK for funding towards a specialist recumbent trike so he could go out on bike rides with his family and friends. Cycling is not only a fun activity, but will improve Max’s fitness, core strength, and balance.
Thanks to our amazing supporters, Max’s bike was ordered and delivered before the end of the summer holidays. His family got in touch to say, ‘The trike is here!!! And my word, we have one VERY excited boy on our hands! We drove to collect the trike on Friday and Max has been out on it every day since. He has taken to it like a fish to water and I will admit to feeling a little emotional seeing him independently cycling with such a huge smile on his face. I cannot thank you and your donors enough for the gift you have given not just Max, but our entire family.
Max's new ability has opened up the path for family bike rides, something his older brother has been desperate for us to do. I have attached a photo of Max enjoying the sun this morning. I couldn't get a video because he was pedaling so fast I couldn't run in front enough to capture it! But I just let him have that moment (trying to run Mum over is apparently highly amusing!). Thank you so very much again.’
AFK | 28 February 2022
