Big dream comes true

Fionn Walsh is on his way to the Weet-Bix Tryathlon. Photo / Michael Craig

New bike gives Fionn, 10, freedom to ride in the triathlon and make Mum proud.

Fionn Walsh's new bike is big and bold - a bit like the dreams of its young owner.

The 10-year-old's custom-made machine stands out with its three fat tyres and jet-black frame. Perched on top is Fionn, a small boy with a big goal - to make his mum proud on her birthday.

The Churchill Park School pupil will race in the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids' Tryathlon for the first time in St Heliers today, a feat made possible by a new bike and the determination of its rider.

Fionn has cerebral palsy, which affects his movement and posture, and can't ride a two-wheel bike.

Mum Debbie Walsh said that until he was given his $2400 Trikes NZ-made bike just before Christmas, taking part in the popular kids' sporting event was out of the question.

"Last year my daughter did the triathlon and he couldn't do it because he couldn't ride a bike. I think he would've liked to have been part of it, but he was happy to cheer his sister along."

This year, the siblings will switch roles and 9-year-old Kaya will be cheering her big brother as he takes on the 100m swim, 4km cycle ride and 1.5km run with his mum.

It would not have been possible without his new bike and the support of The Wilson Home Trust, which donated $1800 towards the bike, and The Churchill Club, which made up the difference, Walsh said.

The triathlon was only the beginning - once Fionn was more confident on his bike he would be able to ride it to school, she said.

"He's going to get his independence."

The family, including Walsh's husband Justin, were also enjoying bike rides together, doing training runs on the triathlon route.

"We did it a couple of weeks ago, he was pretty tired, but he managed it. He'll be a lot slower than everybody else but he'll get there. He's pretty determined, he never complains, he just plugs along.

"He's very excited because he said he wants to make his mum proud on her birthday. "It's very sweet. I said 'I'm proud of you already for taking part'."

Fionn told the Herald on Sunday his new bike "made me not nervous any more".

"You're going to help me, Mum, I'm going to help you."

Giveaway

The Herald on Sunday and the organisers of the Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon series are giving away 10 entries to the March 22 event at Woodall Park, on Auckland's North Shore. Children aged between 7 and 15 can compete, and each entry is valued at $43.50. Enter at: winwithheraldonsunday.co.nz, using the key word "Race". Entries close at noon on Tuesday, February 24. Full terms and conditions are on the website.