Harrogate boy, 9, with neurological condition now cycling to school

A boy from Harrogate with a neurological condition that affects his speech and movement is now able to cycle to school in style thanks to a donation from Harrogate Lions.

Noah Maguire, 9, who has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, mastered being able to pedal on a small metal trike two years ago but his family wanted a bike with a low base of support as balance and coordination are challenging for him.

They found the K3 KMX, a reclining bike that would give Noah the freedom to enjoy cycling to school again.

Members of the Lions delivered him the bike last month and were thanked yesterday by Noah’s family who made them a special lunch.

His mum Catherine Maguire said the new bike is the “envy of all his friends” at St Robert’s Catholic Primary School where he attends.

She said:

“Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for the Harrogate Lions ongoing support for Noah. They really have played such an important role in Noah’s journey and he wouldn’t be enjoying the freedom and independence he is today without their support.”

Noah and his mum Catherine Maguire with members of Harrogate Lions

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The Lions have supported Noah to help him become more independent over the past few years.

In 2018 they funded a special play area in the family garden that has handrails and steps to practice walking. The group also funded a canopy to cover the garden so Noah can play out in rain or shine.

As Noah was prone to falling due to his condition, a rubberised play surface was built in his garden that cost £3,000.

Noah is determined to walk and medical professionals believe he can do it.

His mum Catherine added:

“Noah has now got an amazing play area in the garden where he can play football, trampoline, swing independently alongside his two siblings who also benefit from the facilities too.

“The Lions contribution within the community continues to improve the lives of so many. They will always have a special place in the hearts of the Maguire family.”

Ukrainian couple in Harrogate speak of fears for family under Russian fire

A Ukrainian couple have spoken about their fears for close family members who are encircled by Russian forces in Ukraine and unable to flee.

Taras and Viktoriia Jakubiak live in Harrogate with their two children Isabella, 6, and Eve, 12, who goes to St Robert’s Catholic Primary School and St John Fisher Catholic High School.

Viktoriia’s mum and sister are currently in Chernhiv, a city less than 100 miles north of Kyiv. It has faced heavy shelling and airstrikes from Russian forces since the invasion began.

The couple last spoke to them this morning.

Taras said:

“We’re really worried, the Russians are shelling indiscriminately”.

Acute danger each day

Their family members in Chernhiv face acute danger each day. Russian tanks shot at a church when Viktoriia’s mum was inside and they are spending nights in a pitch black basement to not draw attention.

Taras added:

“The Russians are trying to submit the local population. They want to subjugate the nation and eliminate democracy”.

Viktoriia’s mum works in the local city hospital. However she is continuing to go to work, despite the threat from Russian forces who have bombed hospitals in Mariupol and Zhytomyr.

Taras said:

“Even the hospitals aren’t aren’t safe these days.

“It is indiscriminate and very dangerous.”

Below is a video that was recently taken in Chernihiv where Viktoriia and Taras’ family live.

Chernihiv. https://t.co/zoLaujZolr pic.twitter.com/W4hoaSrefd

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 6, 2022

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The family moved to Harrogate two years ago from West Yorkshire. Taras said he was touched to see the Ukrainian flag flying at the war memorial in Harrogate.

He was born in the UK and also has cousins in Kyiv. Taras said the response in Harrogate, which has involved fundraisers and donations, has made him proud to be both British and Ukrainian.

“Family members in Ukraine are aware of the support and encouragement. They don’t feel alone”.

Things will get better

Heartbreakingly, the family got Viktoriia’s mum and sister UK visas to escape the war zone and join them in Harrogate. However, they did not have enough time to leave Chernhiv before the Russian advance and were trapped.

“There was no way out. They were encircled”.

Taras said it has been difficult to explain the situation to his children, who ask how their relatives are doing in Ukraine.

“It’s difficult to reassure them.”

“We tell them they are going through a dark time but things will get better.”