Great start to bid to raise cash for special new bike for Tobias

Tobias Hill and his stepmother, Patricia Gingell, out for a ride. Picture: Chris Hill (Image: Archant)

Tobias Hill, 17, from Bracon Ash, near Wymondham, had his specially-designed bike stolen and vandalised in November.

The teenager, who lives with a chromosome condition which limits his movement and development, used to sit on the front of the bike while his father, Chris Hill, cycled.

So far, £1,625 out of the £5,000 target has been raised.

Mr Hill hopes that a new bike will help to encourage Tobias to start pedalling with him.

Mr Hill, 56, said: 'It has all been fantastic. With every small amount raised, I am able to do something more for Tobias.

'Everyone has been very generous and it is good that people are able to do something like this.

'Not so long ago I was fit but as Tobias gets heavier and I get older, one of the aims is to get a bicycle were he can pedal.

'Even if he doesn't, the pedals will be there and it may encourage him too.'

The specialised bicycle was one of the only freedoms that Tobias had, as it enabled him to go to areas he could not reach with his wheelchair.

Mr Hill is now hoping to take Tobias to a gym to try pedalling on an exercise machine.

'If I can get him pedalling that will be great but battery power could be a possibility,' he added.

'An option would be a chariot-styled attachment to a motorised bike, with a proper seat and pedals so he can pedal or enjoy the ride and I can ride the electric bike up the hills.

Donor Neil Collins, one of the organisers of Diss Cyclathon, said: 'We were all touched by Tobias' story and using some of the money we raised at Diss Cyclathon 2017 to support this cause and hopefully get Tobias and Chris out on their bike again soon.'

The Hill family are not letting Tobias' vandalised bike go to waste.

They plan to donate it to a charity which will repair and pass it onto another family.

Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/tobias-hill-bike-fundraising