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Jaxon enjoys his new bike thanks to success of TAD Disability Services program Freedom Wheels

Jaxon gets his third Freedom Wheels bike thanks to Castle Hill RSL!

JAXON Taylor is the excited new owner of a bike specially designed for children with disabilities.

The Baulkham Hills youngster lives with muscular dystrophy, and while he can’t walk and requires a wheelchair to get around, the modified bike offers him the independence to exercise and ride with friends.

“I’ve got power (riding), and I like that I’m having fun and getting fit at the same time,” Jaxon said.

In a team effort he received the bike through the Freedom Wheels program made by Northmead’s TAD Disability Services, with the help of more than $4200 in donations last year from Castle Hill RSL.

Jaxon got his first bike when he was three and was assessed for his third last week, after growing out of his first two bikes.

Mum Lija Taylor said the influence of her son’s bikes could not be overestimated.

“When Jaxon got his first bike it was the most emotional day ever,” she said.

“I was in tears. My husband was in tears. My mum was in tears.”

“My son will never walk and he will never run so to see him ride a bike when he had only ever been in my arms or in a wheelchair … it was very emotional.”

TAD, the only charity in NSW who design and build custom equipment to enable people with disabilities to lead more independent lives, create the Freedom Wheels bikes with extra supports for children who often cannot walk.

CEO Alan McGregor said Freedom Wheels was a remarkable program.

“Every month we see dozens of children climb onto a bike for the first time and push the pedals when it was never thought possible,” he said.

“To see Jaxon progress to his third is testament to his courage and determination.”

TAD’s core workforce comprises almost 300 volunteers who donate their time to create more than 1000 custom-built items each year.

Castle Hill RSL supports the ClubGrants program, providing funding to local community projects.

Rick Cumming, the Castle Hill RSL Group vice president, said the club was proud to be changing lives through supporting the Freedom for Wheels Program.

“Jaxon’s achievements are amazing,” he said.

“Congratulations to the TAD team on giving the give of movement so these beautiful kids can enjoy the thrill of riding.”

So far Castle Hill RSL has funded five Freedom Wheels bikes.

— Visit tadnsw.org.au.

FACTBOX:

Jaxon’s YouTube video “A Conversation with Mr Jaxon Taylor” has been watch more than 10,000 times, has 430 likes, and almost 100 comments.

Watch below:

 


Jaxon getting assessed for his new bike. Source: News Limited


He likes the feel of the new bike. Source: News Limited

Reproduced with thanks from: Chris Walker • Hills Shire Times • February 13, 2014 12:00AM

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