NEW WHEELS

Mitchell gets hot new wheels

ToyBox Australia was excited to partner with Mills Oakley’s Perth office again for Christmas 2020 and raise funds to purchase Mitchell a brand-new custom trike.

 This is the second time that ToyBox has partnered with Mills Oakley running their Christmas Giving program at their Perth offices, engaging their team and donating in lieu of secret Santa. Giving the staff a team project that they could feel great about accomplishing as a group.

Mitchell was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome at birth. He was a very floppy baby, with feeding issues which raised concerns with our paediatrician. Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare, genetic condition affecting Chromosome 15. It is characterised by significant gross motor delays, cognitive delay, behavioural issues and failure to thrive as an infant, later changing to hyperphagia (insatiable appetite). It is the leading genetic cause of childhood obesity and all the issues associated with that.

Mitchell’s father Troy spoke to ToyBox about the benefits. “Mitchell benefits from bike riding in so many ways. It has helped immensely with his core and leg strength, especially after his corrective hip surgeries in 2020. It also enables Mitchell to engage with his community in a new way – riding to his favourite activities and hopefully to school in the coming months. Exercise is also vital for people living with PWS, to help them maintain appropriate body composition.”

 “A custom bike has allowed Mitchell to work on individual tasks associated with bike riding and gives him support in pedalling, steering, stability in his seat. Getting out and about on his wheels allows him to enjoy his world and develops his sense of independence in a safe, practical and tailored way. K-Equip’s expertise in modified bikes has given Mitchell a great gift – the thrill of riding a bike! Red really does go faster!”

ToyBox has worked with K Equip to manufacture a number of bikes over the years. They do an amazing job to personally fit each child, assessing what adaptations they need and ensuring the end result is a perfect fit, giving maximum comfort and mobility to the recipient.

 Thank you again to the Perth Mills Oakley team for their ongoing support. We have no doubt Mitchell will get huge enjoyment out of his bike! We couldn’t get him off it at his handover 