The mum of a girl with autism has praised the kindness of strangers for helping her achieve ‘life changing’ independence.
Emily Heathcote, 11, has learning difficulties and mobility issues which means it is painful for her to walk.
Her parents Vicky and Simon, who live on Wilwick Lane on the Weston, were encouraged to buy a specially adapted trike to help Emily get around and started to save for the £1,500 equipment.
Word spread of the family’s mission and donations came in thick and fast.
Within two months the Heathcotes had enough to order the trike and this week Emily went out for her first ride.
Mum Vicky, 45, said: “It’s hard to express the feeling of watching Emily’s face as she went out on that trike. It has given her life-changing independence and a real boost to her confidence.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of our family, friends and complete strangers who just wanted to put a smile on Emily’s face.”
The fundraising was started last November by Emily’s kindhearted cousin Jennifer Bagnall, who launched an online campaign and raised £805.
Vicky said: “We started getting envelopes pushed through the door, money from strangers. Someone people remembered Emily from when she appeared in the Express after doing some fundraising for Manchester Donkey Sanctuary last year. It was so amazing.”
The campaign also raised another £500 at a bingo night at the Queen’s Hotel pub, taking the total to £1,810.
After the trike was ordered Emily wanted to give the leftover money to Buzz, a youth club for children with special needs, the Manchester Donkey Sanctuary and Alfie Cairney, the little boy from Macclesfield left disabled after contracting E.coli.
Vicky said the family have a close bond.
She said: “Emily was an IVF baby after 10 years, so she is extra special.
“Because of her autism, life is a bit more of a struggle at times, but we are very close as a family.
“Emily can have problems socialising and with her emotions, but she is very loving and people love her when they meet her.
“She’s already zooming about on her trike. Maybe we’ll be seeing her at the Velodrome or a future Paralympics.
“Bradley Wiggins better watch out.”
