Latest News
3rd February 2010
Pedal power gives Layla a new sense of freedom
A 10 year-old girl from St Ives whose disability has left her unable to play with friends has been given a new sense of freedom, thanks to Muir Group Housing.
Layla Walsh, of Orwell Close, suffers from Acondraplasia – a bone growth disorder that can affect one in every 40,000 births.
But thanks to Muir’s registered charity – Friends of Muir Group – the social landlord has given a grant to have a bike specially adapted so that her shorter limbs can reach.
Layla’s mum, Kim Robinson, said: “Due to the nature of Layla’s condition her torso is of normal size for her age but her limbs are very short.
“This means a smaller child’s bike will not take her weight and bikes for kids her age are too big and she cannot reach the pedals and handlebars to ride one.”
Due to her condition Layla, who lives at home with her mum Kim Robinson and sisters Amber and Charley, has to sit and watch as her friends are riding their bikes and having fun.
Muir Group Housing have teamed up with local bike mechanics Bike Care so that a bike can be specially altered, giving Layla the freedom to play with her friends.
“Layla does not want to be seen as ‘different’ and we felt that it was important that she was able to have this bike so that she is able to play with her friends,” said Trudie Budnik, community housing officer for Muir Group Housing.
