Leah Ann with her new trike
A Wakefield youngster has a new trike to help improve her mobility, thanks to the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation. Nine-year-old Leah Ann Bowie, of Kettlethorpe, was born with Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Her mobility is poor, causing her to fall frequently, and she is deaf and wears two cochlear implants. Her learning is delayed and she has no speech and problems with swallowing.
Her mum, Elaine, contacted the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation for a grant towards a specialised Tomcat Fizz trike for Leah Ann, the family having already raised £250 towards it. The new trike arrived this month and will enable Leah Ann to get about independently, without fear of falling or having to use a wheelchair. Elaine said: “Leah Ann is delighted with it – it makes her life easier and more fun!”
The Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation distributes funds raised by the annual Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors. The Foundation was formed in 2010 to support young people in the region to achieve their potential and makes grants to individuals and projects. Vice-chairman Richard Stroud said: “It is tremendous how something which seems so simple can make such a difference to a young person’s life.”