The trike that gave Bristol girl, 6, her freedom

A new bike would put a smile on the face of any child.

But for Jessica Lacey, a new tricycle means a lot more than just another toy.

The six-year-old, who was born with a form of cerebral palsy can barely walk, so the trike has given her a longed-for sense of freedom.

It was a donation from the charity REACT (Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal Illness) to give the Bishopsworth youngster more independence.

Jessica was diagnosed with Worster-Drought Syndrome when she was one and requires around-the-clock care.

She is fed with a tube, has hearing and communication difficulties and severe mobility problems.

Her mother Helen Wallis has to do everything for her, with the help of Lifetime nurses and her mum.

They also use Charlton Farm children's hospice, in Wraxall, for respite breaks. It was one of the nurses that applied to the charity, which provides youngsters with specialist equipment to give them more independence, comfort and dignity.

The tricycle cost more than £1,000 but the charity was able to help out.

Jessica's mum said her daughter is sociable and likes taking part in activities with other young girls. Ms Wallis, 30, said: "She's a lovely and funny little girl, but she becomes very frustrated as she cannot express herself fully and is not as active as she would like to be.

"Jessica really wants to be out playing with her cousins but as her mobility is poor, this just isn't possible.

"Jessica likes to be as normal as possible and the tricycle has given her independence.

"She was over the moon and when she first received it she had a massive smile on her face as she went around the block.

"It means she can look around.

"I would just like to say a big thank you to React.

"Although Jessica knows she still can't play as everybody else does, she absolutely loves her trike and is really looking forward to going out to play with her cousins."

To find out more about React visit www.reactcharity.org.