College students give Christmas gift to girl with cerebral palsy

Three-year-old Tia Harrison, from Preston, had a standard bike adapted and delivered to her before the festive period.

She is unable to ride a normal bike like other children because of her condition, which affects her movement and coordination.

Andy Nuttall, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle Studies, along with foundation learning students and the department’s Supported Internship group, adapted the bike for Tia.

Andy answered to a social media post where Tia’s mum, Catherine, reached out for ways to try and raise £3,000 to buy an adapted bike for her that she could use due to her condition.

Cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and are caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth.

A bike that could be adapted was then donated by Michelle Lomas and her local clothing company, Red Roux Rogue.

Andy went a step further and with the students, carried out all the necessary adaptations to make the bike suitable for Tia.

The project saw them completely fabricate and weld a new rear end to convert the bike into a trike, add a seat with safety harnesses, adapt the pedals with foot holders and straps, added a handle to control the bike and most importantly added shiny bows to the handlebars.

Tia’s mum, Catherine Harrison, said: ‘’I cannot describe how happy I am and how grateful we are to have been so lucky that Tia got her wish.

‘’A massive thank you to Michelle and Red Roux Rouge for gifting Tia a bike to be adapted. It was truly amazing generosity and has given a little girl all she wanted.

‘’Secondly a massive thank you to Andy. What an absolute amazing kind guy and super talented you are. It was very emotional to see her sat there on a bike. Thank you both so much for caring for my little girl and giving her a special amazing bike. I’m so grateful to know you both.

‘’The bike is going to bring so much happiness for her and us as a family. We are truly overwhelmed with it all and feel we are so lucky. Thank you just doesn't seem enough. Andy and his team should be very, very proud of themselves. It’s a perfect end to the most awful year, and so many happy memories will be made.’’

Andy Nuttall, Motor Vehicle Studies tutor at Myerscough College, said: ‘’It has been my absolute pleasure to do this for Tia with my students.

‘’I have built many crazy things from cars to motorbikes, and even robots, but this has to be my best project to date! It was worth it just to see that smile. She absolutely deserves this!’’