Cross-country cycle ride for boy with cerebral palsy

Four women are training to cycle the length of New Zealand to raise $100,000 to pay for surgery for a boy with a rare and painful cerebral palsy condition

Oscar Cakebread is a two-year-old with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, which means he lives with constant stiffness and spasms in his leg muscles.

His father, Chris Cakebread, said the family set up a Givealittle page to raise money for an operation that would alleviate the pain Oscar is afflicted with daily.

“He’s just a very determined boy who makes the best of whatever he’s got. Nights are the most challenging part because his leg spasms. We don’t really know what a full night’s sleep is.”

Oscar’s mother, Anna Williamson, gave up her job in the finance sector to look after her son full-time.

“We spent 10 weeks in the neo-natal unit, so just getting our son home was a massive achievement. Seeing his smile and laughter every day is so wonderful,” said Mr Cakebread.

“Anna does find it difficult at times to see him in pain. It’s also been quite an interesting view into how people see disability. It’s just the fear of the unknown that we have as human beings, I suppose.”

One of the cyclists, Alexandra Mullin, a former Royal New Zealand Navy medic, said Oscar’s story was something they really wanted to represent.

“I wanted to do the cycle ride because it would be a huge challenge, and when Oscar came into the picture, we knew it was the perfect incentive to keep us going.

“He is such a gorgeous young man, we would love to be able to help raise him that $100,000 so he can get the surgery that he so needs.”

Miss Mullin said she began training in April, to prepare for the ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

“We’ve got a campervan coming with us, to stay in each time we stop. We are liaising with schools and several marae so we can get places on board across the country. There will also be social media platforms updated during it so people can see where we are at.”

Miss Mullin also said the month-long ride would also see them travel through Wellington, where they would get to meet Oscar and his family face-to-face for the first time.

Lauren Meyer, another Royal New Zealand Navy medic, said she couldn’t say no when she was asked by the other three girls to join them on the ride.

“I think there is a bit of symbolism in what we are doing being such an active challenge. We know Oscar’s family is active, and you know it would be such a big thing for him to be able to walk without pain, and get outside in our beautiful country.

“I’m quite an adventurous person by nature. I love tramping and mountain bike riding; the other girls are the same way. That’s why we will work well together.”

The foursome will leave from Cape Reinga on December 10.

Mr Cakebread expressed his gratitude to everyone who had donated money already. To donate, visit the Givealittle page.