Yay - it makes it all worthwhile
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Yay - it makes it all worthwhile
I've just got to share this.
As some of you may know I teach cycling. Part of this includes quite a few complete beginners of all ages.
This weekend was just one of those special joyful times that come along so rarely for those children afflicted with difficulties sent to challenge their young lives.
Little 9-year old Josie* has been struggling with a trike for many years, having suffered from cerebral palsy with both balance and muscle tone problems. Playing with her friends was becoming harder, for as they grew older their horizons extended beyond Josie's limited capabilities.
She was left behind - alone - and she cried, and cried.
In a recent personal statement that Josie had to produce at school she wrote that she "would give everything she owned just to be able to ride a bike".
I've been working with her for a couple of weeks and this weekend, it was like a miracle. She took her very first unaided pedal strokes. Firstly it was 2 metres, then 5, then 50 and finally, well, who could stop her....
Steering will come soon and her aim is now a shiny new bike for Christmas so she can play in those woods too - and be back with her friends.
I've never seen such a big smile "Yay, I can ride; I can ride" she shouted as tears streamed down her little face with joy. Her life has truly opened up and as her Mum said, a whole new world now beckons.
It will not be long before she will be whooshing off with excitement into the local woods and tracks.
For anyone with any difficulties, just think of little Josie.
With belief, and a little helping of courage, they can be overcome.
I had to spread this good news; I hope you don't mind.
*name changed.
As some of you may know I teach cycling. Part of this includes quite a few complete beginners of all ages.
This weekend was just one of those special joyful times that come along so rarely for those children afflicted with difficulties sent to challenge their young lives.
Little 9-year old Josie* has been struggling with a trike for many years, having suffered from cerebral palsy with both balance and muscle tone problems. Playing with her friends was becoming harder, for as they grew older their horizons extended beyond Josie's limited capabilities.
She was left behind - alone - and she cried, and cried.
In a recent personal statement that Josie had to produce at school she wrote that she "would give everything she owned just to be able to ride a bike".
I've been working with her for a couple of weeks and this weekend, it was like a miracle. She took her very first unaided pedal strokes. Firstly it was 2 metres, then 5, then 50 and finally, well, who could stop her....
Steering will come soon and her aim is now a shiny new bike for Christmas so she can play in those woods too - and be back with her friends.
I've never seen such a big smile "Yay, I can ride; I can ride" she shouted as tears streamed down her little face with joy. Her life has truly opened up and as her Mum said, a whole new world now beckons.
It will not be long before she will be whooshing off with excitement into the local woods and tracks.
For anyone with any difficulties, just think of little Josie.
With belief, and a little helping of courage, they can be overcome.
I had to spread this good news; I hope you don't mind.
*name changed.
-
- Posts: 472
- Joined: 5 Jan 2007, 9:40pm
- Location: Hampshire
- Contact:
-
- Posts: 472
- Joined: 5 Jan 2007, 9:40pm
- Location: Hampshire
- Contact:
essexman wrote:I cried too!
Mind if i stick a link to this on my blog? I try to avoid news and kit stories, but i do like to highlight positive cycling things like this.
Of course. No probs.
John
Hampshire Cycle Training
http://www.hampshirecycletraining.org.uk/
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- Posts: 328
- Joined: 25 Aug 2008, 5:03pm
- Location: Glasgow/Edinburgh
Ahhh that's a great story, thanks for sharing
I've just finished a National Standards instructor training course with Luton council and I can't wait to get out and start teaching! Last week I had the pleasure of helping a nervous friend to ride a bike for the first time and it was a very rewarding experience.
I've just finished a National Standards instructor training course with Luton council and I can't wait to get out and start teaching! Last week I had the pleasure of helping a nervous friend to ride a bike for the first time and it was a very rewarding experience.