A Central Coast family living with disability can now experience the joys of cycling together thanks to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and Freedom Solutions.
Killarney Vale mum, Meika Standish, said her family was overjoyed to receive new bicycles, giving them the opportunity to learn a new skill that had been out of reach up until now.
“This is such a dream come true for us and means we can enjoy getting out in the fresh air and sunshine to make special memories together as a family,” she said.
“Watching my sons Jett and Mack unwrap their incredible new bikes was so exciting and emotional.
“Freedom Solutions has done an amazing job at designing bicycles that support both of my boys’ individual needs so that they have the opportunity to learn to ride.”
Charitable organisation Freedom Solutions designs, builds and modifies custom equipment for people living with disability of all ages throughout NSW and Victoria.
General Manager Mathew Williams said everyone deserved the chance to ride a bike.
“At Freedom Solutions, we believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the thrill and joy of riding a bike, which is why we feel it is so important to make this possible for people living with disability,” he said.
“Riding a bike is a common childhood milestone.
“A disability can make it difficult or impossible to ride a standard bike, meaning missed opportunities for socialisation with friends as well as the many physical benefits that riding a bike can bring.
“We were very fortunate to receive funding from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation last year to gift customised bikes and trikes to children living with disability in the Hunter and Central Coast, enabling them the opportunity to experience the joy of freedom on wheels.”
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Partnerships Specialist Lanah Maruff said learning to ride a bike brought with it a real sense of independence, resilience, social connection and confidence.
“We are thrilled to help make this possible for Meika and her boys, who are bound to make the most of their new bikes,” she said.
“The Foundation serves to improve the health and wellbeing of the community by supporting organisations just like Freedom Solutions, who do such amazing work in delivering bespoke solutions to suit individuals and their needs.”
For more information about Freedom Solutions go to https://freedomsolutions.org.au/