Mum's appeal for help to stop daughter, 4, becoming a 'prisoner in her own home'

Rebecca Flood’s daughter, Sophia, has Cockayne syndrome – a condition that affects her growth and mobility. She also has a tremor that affects balance.

The Hebden Green School pupil, from Barnton, is very small for her age, and the toys used by her friends are often unsuitable for her – making it difficult for her to play with other children.

But charity Caudwell Children has advised her family that a specialist tricycle worth £1,247 could help the youngster spend more time with her friends while improving her strength and coordination.

Now, Rebecca is determined to find the money for it.

“Sophie is missing out on so much and in comparison to her friends she does very little outside the house,” she said.

“There are so many things that my daughter can’t do, because of her condition, but the tricycle that the charity has recommended would allow Sophie to be able to do something for herself.

“It’s heart-breaking knowing that she can’t join in with her friends so we’re determined to get Sophia the tricycle.”

Caudwell Children has set up a Just Giving page for Sophia and it is approaching other charitable trusts, grant-giving organisations, rotary clubs and masons lodges in order to raise the cash.

Rebecca added: “We can make life so much better for Sophia. She’d finally be able to play outside with her two brothers, something I’ve dreamt of seeing her do for so long.

“The trikes are specially designed to assist disabled children in their physical development and rehabilitation. They are engineered to make pedalling that much easier.

“So whilst Sophia is having fun she will also be improving her core strength and co-ordination, developing muscle tone in her legs and improving her gross motor skills. Without this equipment I’m afraid that Sophia could become a prisoner in her own home.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/trike4sophia