Cosmos LOVES life, and those of you who know him know that he really dislikes time indoors, where he easily 'tunes out' and becomes bored. We have been, for years, looking for ways to stimulate his senses and get exercise with him. He has a specialist trike, but we can only move at his snail's pace with it, and this has become dull, even for him.

We have tried all sorts of different riding options and last year we borrowed a tag-along bike from a local charity. He loved it, but was often hanging off to one side, and couldn't let us know when he was in trouble, as he is non-verbal. With him riding behind, we couldn't be sure he was safe.

What we need is a way for him to be actively, and safely involved... This is a quote from the Hase Pino (bike) site: "PINO as a family taxi: I’m front and centre! It’s also fine for kids to ride in a wooden crate, but as we see it: kids aren’t cargo. And they have much more energy to burn than a loaf of bread. That’s why the PINO keeps kids and cargo separate and offers a Children’s Crankset that turns petite passengers from 3’3” (100 cm) in height into active co-pilots – attracting envious stares from their trailer-bound peers. ..After burning up all that energy, your tired stoker might just need a little nap. Which is fine, thanks to the freewheel and three-point harness. After all, the parent has the Shimano motor as a backup, just in case they can’t handle the pedalling on their own."

This bike would be a real godsend to our family life, with Cosmos at the centre and involved with our activities, rather than always being left out of our cycling days while someone looks after him at home. With his head so close, we can communicate with him and ensure he's safe. It will also work for him for a long time as the bike works well for two adults too. We hope to use it for years to come.

The actual Cost is over £7000, but we will be grateful for any help people can give. We plan to organise fundraising events with music and food (his two FAVOURITE things, besides riding) and a community ride this summer to raise the remainder.

A UK Hase Pino Steps seller

Here's what WE are offering / planning for our fundraising campaign:

A community bike ride with meet up points around Edinburgh and Portobello to gather our community and all of the families we know, ending in the Meadows Date TBC - can you help with this?

Stuart's African dance on May 22nd. All profits will benefit our campaign https://www.facebook.com/events/342608989946733/?notif_t=plan_user_associated¬if_id=1556912523093565

We've been generously offered Beetroot Sauvage's upstairs studio for a day of dance classes, offered by our talented friends on Sunday June 9th

We originally asked for services, or gift that we could raffle/auction. Folk came forward with this amazing list:

A fitness consultation including personalised training plan for swim, bike or run, by Steve Sharpe, Team GB age group triathlete

A £250 gift voucher to Morningside Gallery from Eileadh Swan

A block of 8 yoga classes at Yoga Stable (all levels available) from Annamaria Sacco

Craniosacral treatment at Yoga Stable by Annamaria Sacco

2 magic wands from Sorcerers Sundries

A special upcycled piece of clothing by Bloom, and Elspeth Thomson

Full assessment and treatment by Susana Montoya Palaez of Chameleon Therapies in Pathhead

Massage/reiki treatment (in St Andrews) with June Imrie

Wool spinning workshop with Clovetree/Lizette Venter

Guided imagery and music session (transformational therapy for adults) by Jojo Lander of Music and Imagery Scotland

3 Alexander Technique lessons from Sarah Bonner-Morgan

A French manicure by Fiona Allen

Seaweed foraging tour of East Fife by East Neuk Seeweed

Pottery by Natasha Phoenix Sculpture and Ceramics

Energy healing session with therapeutic guided imagery by Carole Joanne Sneddon

Therapeutic massage in your own home by Daniela Coronado (of Knot Stressed)

We plan to arrange a big EDINBURGH FAMILY picnic in the Meadows TBC

Or perhaps you could simply share this page or make a contribution?