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The Lions District of 201N2 which is made up of 65 Lions Clubs and 6 Lioness Clubs which stretch across the south east of NSW has made 50 kids dreams come true over the last 9 years. The clubs continued support of Freedom Wheels has meant kids living with a disability have been able to start cycling for the first time, which wouldn’t have been possible without their generous support.

‘The most common theme from the bikes that we fund is one of inclusion, allowing the family to ride together, allowing the child to do what his/her siblings do’– Peter Howe, Lions Club of Wollongong.

We caught up with Josie Ellen who relies on a breathing machine called CPAP for about 20 hours a day. She is fed through a tube in her stomach which she relies on for her nutrition. She has Scoliosis and wears a brace every day as well as wearing an ankle foot orthotics to help with her walking.

‘Since having her bike Josie-Ellen has learnt to walk independently, so after 7 years of using a walking frame or holding someone’s had to walk she can now do it unassisted. A day we thought we may never see. Riding a bike is something all kids want to do. Freedom Wheels & the Lions District of 201N2 has made that possible for Josie-Ellen.’ – Josie Ellen’s Mum Amelia

Amelia said ‘the day I got the call that the Lions District 210N2 were going to fund the bike for Josie-Ellen I actually burst into tears as I knew how much this was going to mean to Josie-Ellen. The generosity that Lions District 210N2 showed our family is something I’m forever grateful for, they changed Josie-Ellen’s life and the enjoyment and joy she gets from riding her bike is just priceless.’

This association is extremely important. Without our project many children would have had difficulty in funding the bikes that they have received, but the important thing is that they have all had the early assurance that the bike will be funded and supplied at a time that they would like. This is especially important if it is associated with a birthday or Christmas as has been the case for many of the bike deliveries – Peter Howe.

Thank you to the members and clubs of the Lions District of 201N2 and helping to support children living with a disability live more independent and inclusive lives. We look forward to the continued relationship and helping more kids cycle for the very first time.

Freedom Wheels are custom bikes for kids and adults living with a disability. The team of skilled volunteers design, build and deliver the bikes to suit the physical and cognitive needs of the individual. https://freedomwheels.org.au/

For more information please contact:

Meadhbh Roche, Promotions Coordinator – mroche@tad.org.au or 02 9912 3402.