Trike appeal for Epworth tot who defied the doctors

An appeal has been launched to buy a special trike for a youngster who is desperate for independence.
Siobhan Edge of Epworth with her son Leo Palmer and daughter Kaycee-Mae Edge.  ( Buy this photo E1909TS) Picture: Tony SaxtonSiobhan Edge of Epworth with her son Leo Palmer and daughter Kaycee-Mae Edge.  ( Buy this photo E1909TS) Picture: Tony Saxton
Siobhan Edge of Epworth with her son Leo Palmer and daughter Kaycee-Mae Edge. ( Buy this photo E1909TS) Picture: Tony Saxton

Leo Palmer is a bright and sunny-natured three-year old with little mobility. The tot who suffers from spastic diplegia cerebral palsy has defied doctors who originally said he would never talk.

But Leo is unable to walk or run as his friends do, and a trike would give him some essential freedom of movement outdoors, his mum Siobhan Edge explained.

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Siobhan, 26, of Birchfield Road, Epworth, said: “It’s impossible at the moment for Leo to do anything his friends do, and his sister Kaycee-Mae can no longer carry him as she used to because he’s become too heavy for her. If he had a special needs trike it would also help with his physio exercises and enable us to do more as a family.

“Leo always wants to go on Kaycee’s bike, and no other play vehicles are suitable. It’s heartbreaking as Leo’s an intelligent boy. He knows every colour and can count to 15. He just wants to do what all the other kids do, and join in.

“He says to me that he will walk one day but he’s got poorly legs.”

The young mum won a Pride of the Isle award earlier this year because of the astonishing progress Leo has made, due mainly to her efforts and devotion to him.

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She was told when he was a baby that he would not be able to speak because of the extent of his brain damage.

A specialist trike with full body support that Leo needs to keep him safely in place typically costs £5000. To help him have one, Siobhan and Leo’s dad Richard’s friends are helping her organise a fun day, to take place at the Crown Inn, Belton, on August 17.

“A few of us are involved and Leesa Sharpe is helping which is great, as she has organised so many events,” said Siobhan. “She has the answers to all my questions.”

The family knew nothing of Leo’s condition until they realised he was not sitting up or rolling at seven months. He was a weighty baby so his lack of movement was blamed on that, said Siobhan.

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Her son was born with his cord round his neck, but his hand prevented the loop tightening. It was not until Leo had an MRI scan that the extent of his problems were understood.

For more information about the campaign or to help with the fundraising, call Siobhan on 07734455911 or Richard on 07742695994.

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