Blind teen raises cash to help buy disabled boy a special trike

A blind teenager has raised £300 towards buying a disabled little boy a specially adapted trike.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Dec 2016, 05:00 BST
Kendal Reay and Jacob Todd together.Kendal Reay and Jacob Todd together.
Kendal Reay and Jacob Todd together.

Kendal Reay was diagnosed with retinoblastoma - eye cancer - as a baby which has left her blind.

However, the 15–year–old from Jarrow recently completed work experience at Bamburgh School in South Shields where she met Jacob who has spinal bifida - a condition where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord

Kendal met Jacob while on school work experience.Kendal met Jacob while on school work experience.
Kendal met Jacob while on school work experience.
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Kendal learned from his physiotherapist that the five-year-old’s disability means he is unable to move from the waist down.

She said: “I found out that his family were trying to buy him a specially adapted trike so that he would be able to play out.

“So I thought I would try and help with fundraising.”

Despite only being able to see shades of light, and needing a stick to help her get about, Kendal set up an online fundraising page and took part in a sponsored walk from South Shields to Sunderland pier

Kendal has so far raised £300 for Jacob.Kendal has so far raised £300 for Jacob.
Kendal has so far raised £300 for Jacob.

So far she has raised just over £300.

Kendal, who attend Boldon School, said: “I can only see shades of light but I can still use my computer because it’s has programmes on which talk to me and help me out..

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“I am hoping to plan a few more fundriaing events, like the Boxing Day dip and maybe a charity night too.”

The cost of the trike is more than £800 and Jacob’s mam Marina Townsley, 32, is hoping they might be able to buy it in time for Christmas.

So far £600 has been raised by at her workplace, Morrisons in South Shields, after colleague Wendy Tassin organised a bag packing event.

While dad Andrew Todd raised £100 through his gym.

Marina said: “We’re just waiting for all of the money to come in and then hopefully we will be able to buy the trike.

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“When we heard that Kendal had become quite taken by Jacob on her work experience and wanted to help we thought it was so lovely. Not many teenagers would do this.

“With him being paralysed from the waist down it will mean he is able to use his arms to power the trike himself.”

If anyone can help out with sponsoring Jacob’s trike call Marina on 07543 147 770

Related topics:Andrew ToddSouth Shields