The broad smile on Kenisha Godfrey's face left no one in doubt of her delight in being gifted her very own trike. Receiving her trike at a presentation in front of a large group of people including More FM radio presenters Flash (Angela) Gordon and John Markby however was somewhat
overwhelming for the shy Aranga seven-year-old.
Being able to ride a bike is a simple joy for many children, but until now, it was an impossibility for Kenisha.
She suffers from Arnold Chiari Syndrome, a rare birth defect that affects her balance, co-ordination and mobility. Only able to walk short distances Kenisha must wear leg braces all her waking hours. Pushing the pedals of a normal trike was not possible because of her uneven leg length, but now a specialised trike has give Kenisha her mobility freedom.
Kenisha's specially constructed trike was sponsored by Dargaville Rotary and Variety's "Kids on the Move", a programme aimed at providing assistance to children with physical restrictions.
Kenisha's mum Sonia said she was delighted with the gift. She said she learned about the programme from Kenisha's physiotherapist Jess McCulloch at the Whangarei Health Centre, and had made the application to Variety.
"Variety wrote to us asking if we could assist," said Dargaville Rotary's youth director Neil Clements. "With our own funds and some from the Rotary's Harold Thomas Trust we were able to offer $975. Variety paid the remaining $900," he said.
"It's great to make a kid smile," said Variety's Barry Evans. An inaugural basher, Mr Evans said he loved helping making a difference to kids lives. Variety distributes much needed equipment including wheel chairs, mobilised scooters and special chairs as well as hundreds of bikes to children in low decile schools through the Bikes for Kids programme.
More FM is nationally associated with Variety. Kenisha's story was broadcasted on the breakfast show last Friday.
