Disabled Adam faces tough trike challenge for charity

AN 11-year-old boy who is severely disabled and communicates solely through blinking will face one of his toughest challenges yet when he takes part in a one-mile charity ride on his tricycle.

Adam Bojelian suffers from cerebral palsy and is unable to walk, but wanted to take on the challenge to raise money for a charity which has helped his parents, Zoe and Paul.

The youngster, who is also blind and suffers from a number of serious health condition including a severe seizure disorder, will be taking part in the challenge in the Meadows on May 28.

He hopes to raise 5000 for Contact A Family Scotland, which provides advice, information and support to the parents of disabled children.

Adam, who decided he wanted to take on the charity cycle while watching the London Marathon last year, will be using a special supported tricycle.

Mrs Bojelian, from the New Town, said the bike ride would be a huge physical challenge for her son, but she had every confidence that he would complete it.

She said: "It will be an immense challenge because of his severe physical impairment. He doesn't have balance, he can't stand or walk and he is on oxygen.

"This is something that, if we asked his doctors, they would say is impossible but I'm confident that he will do it.

"He is really looking forward to doing it.

"He is always very proud when he does something people think he won't be able to do and he likes to prove people wrong.

"He likes to show that he is as capable as any other child."

Adam's only form of communication is through blinking, but despite the constraints, he likes writing poetry and has won awards for his work.

In July last year, Adam was awarded one of the first Brit Writers Awards at a ceremony at the O2 in London and also received a Gold Blue Peter badge for his poetry.

Adam, who used to attend the Royal Blind School will soon be moving into mainstream education.

Mrs Bojelian said the charity ride had already had to be cancelled once because of Adam's health problems.

The youngster fell seriously ill with flu and pneumonia at the end of February, which meant that the original challenge date in April had to be postponed.

The 50-year-old added: "We would never do anything that would put Adam at risk and if he wasn't well on the day we would definitely postpone it again.

"He will tell me if he needs a rest while he is doing the ride, but he has been practising already and building up his strength."

Despite plans to keep the cycle event "low key", Mrs Bojelian said a number of people have told her they want to go to the Meadows on May 28 to support Adam during his challenge.

To donate, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=adambojelian