Forces charity helps keep Liam on the move at home

10:28am Tuesday 7th October 2008

A BOY with cerebral palsy can now pedal to his heart's delight thanks to the generosity of a military charity.

Up to now, if Liam Rogan, 12, wanted to ride the new tricycle donated to him by charity Whizz Kids, he needed someone with him.

But thanks to a donation from the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, he can play freely in his own garden on a specially installed track.

The money for the track came from the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, which donated £4,000, and the Royal British Legion, which gave a further £600.

Liam's father, Graham, said: "Over the last three or four years Liam has been diagnosed with epilepsy and we wanted a safe environment for him.

"We could take him round the block, but couldn't leave him unsupervised. We came up with the idea of putting something in the garden so he could ride around it."

Mr Rogan and his wife, June, applied to Broadacres Housing Association for permission to make alterations to the garden of their home in Northallerton.

Permission was readily granted, but the couple could not afford to pay for the work so Mr Rogan, who served in the RAF for 26 years, applied to SSAFA for help.

"It's made a big difference,"

he said. "Liam can play with his twin brother, Matt. He gets out more, he's more independent and it's more exercise for him."

Mr Rogan, who was in the RAF from 1977 to 2003, thanked the charity for their help. "I'm an ex-serviceman and I always paid into the RAF Benevolent Fund - there are times when people don't have enough money and need help.

"Now it's my turn to say thank you to all those who have contributed," he said.

SSAFA provides support for the serving men and women in the Armed forces and for those who have served in the past - even if it was only for a single day. It also cares for the needs of their families and dependants.

Last year alone, the charity's professional staff and trained volunteers gave assistance to more than 50,000 people.