£800 - anonymous donor's gift means disabled Jasmine will get her trike

Last week The Northern Echo reported how the family of ten-year-old Jasmine Ather, whose four limb cerebral palsy (CP) means she is unable to walk, had launched a £1,540 appeal to buy her a specially-adapted tricycle so she could play outside.

Now, after reading of the East Rainton Primary School pupil’s struggle in the Echo, a generous benefactor has stumped up the £800 that was still needed to hit the target.

He has asked to remain anonymous, only posting on the campaign justgiving page: “Best of luck Jasmine.”

Jasmine’s grandmother, Linda Ather, said: “It’s just amazing. We’re really humbled.

“So many people have given a little. Then this – he’s an amazingly generous person.

“Jasmine is very excited.”

The family, from East Rainton, near Durham, will now contact the national children’s charity Caudwell Children, which is assisting them, to arrange to have a tricycle specially made to fit Jasmine’s needs.

Jasmine was born with CP and she must use a bulky wheelchair to get around, meaning she struggles to play outdoors with her friends and often gets lonely at home.

Having outgrown a smaller tricycle 18 months ago, she has her sights set on a blue three-wheeler with Union Flag wheels.

Her family hope it will be adapted so her feet can be secured to the pedals and her knees will be prevented from banging together.

As well as giving her some freedom, the trike will strengthen Jasmine’s leg muscles and perhaps help her achieve her goal of walking someday.

Other donors have given between £5 and £200, taking the justgiving total beyond £1,800.

One donor wrote online: “This is from my father who’s 83. He says he hopes the trike will bring you the freedom you deserve.”

Jasmine’s justgiving page is still available at justgiving.com/trike4jasmine

Caudwell Children provides family support services, equipment, treatment and therapies for disabled children and their families across the UK. To find out more, visit caudwellchildren.com