Family hold fundraiser to buy trike for disabled Barrow child

A BARROW family is raising funds for a young boy living with a life-changing disability.

Two-year-old James Tippett was born at just 27 weeks due to pre-eclampsia - a condition that affects some pregnant women usually during the second half of pregnancy or soon after their baby is delivered.

After being born, little James was in hospital for the three following months.

James Tippett was born at just 27 weeks (Image: Family handout)

When he was 12 months old his parents realised that his development was a 'little bit behind' to what it should be which led to the diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy.

The family is fundraising to offer the young boy a trike to give him 'more independence.'

James' mother Natalie Louise Tippett said: "He started walking just before he was two-years-old which is amazing but he really struggles with balance, co-ordination and falls quite a lot.

"Due to the brain damage he has also got issues with his vision.

"He is doing so well because he is a really strong little character and he is really determined.

"We have been trying to find ways to make him like other children. His brother is fourand he's a bike rider so we want to be able to give James the same experience but we just need to adapt the world for him."

James Tippett in hospital (Image: Family handout)

The fundraiser, which was set up on May 18, has already reached £1,830 of the £2,000 target.

Natalie said it was 'overwhelming' to see the amount of money they have already received.

"I didn't think we would ever get a response like that," she said.

"We have never before asked for help financially but unfortunately special needs equipment does not come cheap.

"Fundraising to get James a custom-made Tomcat Trike that is specially adapted will give him the same joy of bikes that most of us take for granted while being safe and accessible."

To help with the fundraiser visit: https://gofund.me/431a3566

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