The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Pinchbeck pedallar with cerebral palsy who was delighted to be able to ride a bike alongside his school friends and family has beaten 200,000 other children to win a national award.
Dannon Butler (9) has been named the Trainee of the Year for the Bikeability Awards and was handed the Pete Rollings Award at the National Bike Ability Awards in London.
That’s after passing levels one and two of the Bikeability scheme that used to be known as cycling proficiency. The training was delivered by a company called Outreach who put him forward for the award.
That Dannon was able to take part at all alongside his Pinchbeck East classmates was an achievement as due to his cerebral palsy, he struggles with balance and has restricted movement in his right side.
But his family, with help from a grant from disability charity Family Fund, were able to purchase a specialist KMX bike tailored to Dannon’s needs. Differences include both breaks being controlled by the left hand.
Dannon said, after going to collect the award in London with dad Paul: “I was just amazed to win.
“It was quite scary going up to collect the award as I didn’t expect so many people to be there. I was proud to take part in Bikeability and when I took my certificates in to school my friends all said ‘well done’.”
Dannon’s bike means he can also join the rest of the family on bike rides around the area.
His mum Carrie said: “When we used to go out for family walks or rides Dannon struggled to keep up for certain distances, but now we’re the ones struggling to keep up with him.
“We’re all incredibly proud of him winning this award.
“He had a smile on his face for ages.
“At school he was also happy to be the centre of attention for a change.
“He won a £50 Halfords voucher for the award and is now eyeing-up a scooter,” she added.
