'It would be lovely to ride together as a family' - Bridgnorth rallies for smiler Jake

Four-year-old Jake, from Eardington near Bridgnorth, has Angelman Syndrome, severe learning difficulties, is hyper active and has epilepsy.

As a result Jake cannot talk and his balance is not very good, so his family are trying to raise enough money for a special trike for Jake to become more independent and join his family on bike rides.

Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and intellectual disability. Anyone with the illness will have a near-normal life expectancy, but often need looking after for the rest of their life.

Jake's mother, Karen Mountford, 39, said: "Jake is naturally a very, very loving boy, he has a cheeky sense of humour, and is caring and extremely brave.

"He loves to catch people's attention when we go around town and loves to giggle and smile – hopefully bringing a smile to their faces too."

Jake's fifth birthday is on Sunday and his big brother Leo's birthday is February 8, so they are having a joint birthday bash on February 18, where a raffle will be drawn, with all proceeds going towards Jake's trike.

Jake and Leo are also forgoing their birthday presents this year in exchange for donations towards Jake's trike.

Since starting the appeal, the family has raised more than £600 and a number of local businesses have donated raffle prizes towards the fund, including a family ticket for the Severn Valley Railway, a mad hatter's tea party at Charlie's Tea Room, a Beaman's butcher voucher, Boutique No 7 is donating a hamper, Tea and Roses is donating a voucher for afternoon tea, Men's Rooms, Ye Olde Terrace Sweet Shop, Bulk and co Barbour and Carmen's Hair Lounge are all donating vouchers too.

Mrs Mountford said: "Jake can't ride a normal bike because of his balance, so this specialised trike is steady for him and has a proper seat that he can be strapped into so he can't fall off.

"It can also be attached on to the back of an adult's bike so we can haul him along.

"It would be lovely to ride around Shropshire together as a family.

"He's got ride-on toys but it'll be good for him to be able to pedal because he can't normally.

"It will be exciting for him to power a bike himself and to strengthen his legs."

Since starting the appeal, Mrs Mountford's teacher from when he was at St Mary's Primary School got in touch and is donating a voucher towards the raffle too.

For details, or to donate a prize towards the raffle, call Karen on 07793359555.