An inspiring disabled boy from Ayrshire can look forward to outdoor adventures again after an incredible community effort for his new wheelchair.
Brave Kaiden Richardson, 11, took a dip in the water last week to cap off a superb fundraising campaign which has seen more than £7,000 raised towards a state-of-the-art wheelchair in just three weeks.
The determined youngster from Girvan joined a group of daring fundraisers who pluged into the sea on Saturday, March 27.
The community gathered on the shorefront for one of their own and then hurled towards the waves on a cold, drizzly afternoon.
After presenting his own music festival last week, Kaiden – who suffers from conditions spina bifida and hydrocephalus – also took the opportunity to make a splash.
Doctors gave Kaiden no hope of being able to walk from birth but the young tot defied all the odds to battle back to walk, play football and swim.
But lockdown dealt a devastating blow with many of the vital classes cancelled and Kaiden tragically lost the ability to walk.
Ayrshire Live told how Kaiden’s surrogate aunt Shevon Moran wanted to give Kaiden the best chance to still continue all the things he loved despite being in a wheelchair.
The 30-year-old spotted an amazing active ready chair which would allow Kaiden to go on outdoor adventures.
Shevon enjoyed to take Kaiden on day trips to enjoy the outdoors, go camping and nature walks.
However, she was worried Kaiden wouldn't be left unable to do those things.
Searching for a solution, Shevon stumbled across the eTrike Electric Assist All-Terrain wheelchair which is ready for action in the great outdoors.
Shevon set up a fundraiser for Kaiden who is “always smiling” to get the eTrike which came at a cost of £7,000.
Donations poured in for the popular Sacred Heart Primary School pupil as the community of Girvan got behind his campaign.
A kind volunteer arranged Kaiden’s very own music festival which was streamed online on Sunday, March 21.
And it was during that gig set up by Paul McCafferty when the target was smashed.
Shevon shared a poignant message on Kaiden’s fundraiser page to thank everyone for their support which saw the wheelchair funds raised in just three weeks.
She told Ayrshire Live: “We are just overwhelmed by the support from everyone.
“It is unbelievable to think in just three weeks we have raised this amount for Kaiden.
“It has just been overwhelming the support that the community has shown towards him.
“If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be sitting where we are.
“The dip was fantastic. The turnout we got was amazing, everyone was there to support him, it was great. It was such a good day.
“I just want to thank everyone who participated, sponsored or supported the fundraiser for Kaiden.”
A virtual 50-mile walk is now set for April as more support is being shown to Kaiden.
You can still donate to the online fundraiser here.
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