My daughter Ella is 3 ½ years old and has a rare chromosome disorder called Angelman Syndrome. Amongst other things, she has very low tone and is very floppy. Currently she cannot walk although she can crawl and is starting to weight bear.

We have recently purchased a Quest 88 Colt tricycle for Ella to help with both her physical and her emotional development. We believe that the tricycle will be of immense benefit to her. Firstly, it will help build her strength and teach her how to move her legs. Whilst she is on the tricycle, she is actually getting excellent physical exercise in that her legs move round as the wheels go round, and it forces her to strengthen her trunk as she has to sit and hold herself straight. It gives her a great workout without her realizing it!! (Far better than being stuck in the house doing boring physiotherapy exercises!!) Also, there are the fantastic emotional benefits that this tricycle gives - it allows her to join in ‘normal’ activities with family and friends, being able to ride on a bike and take in the world around her. Up until now she has been restricted to a buggy which obviously only allows her to see what is in front of her. This tricycle gives her a full 360 degree view which puts a whole new perspective on the world.

Our first trip out was to the local zoo which was great fun. We have a son who is 11 months old and it was lovely to have Ella on her bike, alongside Jacob watching and turning to see everything that was going on. She really enjoyed herself.

We have been out several times now and Ella can’t stop smiling whilst she is on it. Another element of Ella’s condition is that she is very sociable – she loves to be out and about mixing with other people. This tricycle is perfect for Ella in that it allows us to take her out safely, allows her to have great exercise and allows her to enjoy everything that is going on.

We look forward to the many years of pleasure we know we will have with Ella on her Colt tricycle.