Generous readers have granted the Christmas wish of a little boy in Hanworth by paying for a specially adapted bike.
Bobby Jones was presented with his new set of wheels yesterday (Tuesday, December 23) at Crane Park Nursery, in Hanworth, after people responded in their droves to an urgent appeal.
The three-year-old was born 14 weeks premature and was not expected to survive. Having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged just eight months, he continues to beat the odds by learning how to walk with the aid of a frame.
Staff at his nursery, in Norman Avenue, made an urgent Christmas appeal earlier this month to buy him a special bike so he can cycle unassisted - and they were overwhelmed by the response.
They had already almost reached their £1,500 target when Feltham businessman Ian Hutchins stepped in and offered to pay for the bike himself.
The remaining money will now be split between Bliss, a charity supporting premature and special care babies, and St Peter’s Hospital neonatal unit, in Ashford, to which Bobby owes his life.
Crane Park Nursery manager Darren Bryant said: "He's a very independent and determined boy and this bike will allow him to ride by himself, without anyone having to hold on to him. He's over the moon to have that freedom.
"The response to the appeal has been phenomenal. I think people have been touched by his story and by his gorgeous little cheeky face."
Bobby's face lit up as the bike, which is made by Quest 88, and even features a personalised licence plate, was unveiled, and he was soon pedalling away.
Mr Hutchins, who owns Ron Smith Recycling, in Feltham, said he had been particularly moved by Bobby's story as he had needed calipers as a child to correct problems with his feet and was not able to walk until he was three.
The businessman, who grew up in Isleworth, has given £16,000 to charity this year - much of which was raised through a sponsored weight loss, for which he slimmed down from 21.5 to 17 stone.
Great Ormond Street Hospital and Hounslow Phab, which organises activities for people with and without disabilities, are among the other good causes to which he has donated.
He decided to support Bobby's fundraising appeal after being alerted to the campaign by Isleworth councillor Sue Sampson.
