12-year-old boy takes on cycling challenge for charity which helped his family
Taylor Hardy has been spending the festive season 'virtually' cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats
A 12-year-old boy, who helps to care for his two brothers with additional needs, is raising money for the Plymouth charity which has supported him and his family.
Taylor Hardy has been spending the festive season 'virtually' cycling the 603 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats, to raise money for Friends and Families of Special Children.
He has ridden through Christmas, the New Year and even his own birthday and has just smashed his target of ÂŁ3,000.
The 12-year-old is a young carer for two of his three brothers, who have additional needs.
Taylor's family have had a particularly challenging year, even by 2020 standards, and more than ever they have really needed the support they've received from Friends and Families.
Taylor said:
"I love being able to do things with Fun And Freedom club, we have had some amazing days out and I don't have to worry about if my brothers will be ok. My brothers like to do things with Adventure Club and we all love that we get to do accessible things as a family."
Hi mum, Theresa said:
"After a very difficult year for our family, Taylor really wants to make some positive memories and finish 2020 with something incredible to look back on.
"We are so proud of him and his positive attitude - he really is an inspiration."
Friends and Families' mission is to make families with disabled children feel valued and experience the best quality of life possible.
Thanks to the charity, Taylor's whole family regularly accessed a hydrotherapy pool - a fun activity they could all enjoy together. Danny (13) and Sonny (9) have tried new activities, like pottery painting, at Adventure Club.
Mum and main carer, Theresa, has accessed invaluable Autism Behaviour training and had a chance to relax and look after herself with a Parents Spa Day at Home.
Friends and Families has allowed Taylor to have time to himself, just being a kid, including a week of watersports last Summer, which ignited a new passion for him!
You can find Taylor's online fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Theresa-Hardy