WATFORD OBSERVER, FRIDAY AUGUST 20, 1999
Six-year-old Hannah-Ruth Donelly happily shows off her custom-built tricycle watched by her mother Sylvia, pictured left, and Pauline and Allan Buxton of the Mencop charity, which raised funds towards the tricycle. Picture 5322622A: JOE SHEEHAN
Three-wheeler gives Down’s girl freedom
A YOUNG girl from Watford who suffers from a rareform of Down’s Syndrome received a special tricycle thanks to funding from a charity.
  Hannah-Ruth Donnelly, 6, of Charlock Way was diagnosed with Mosaic Down’s Syndrome at the age of 22 months.
  This form of the syndrome is so rare, doctors still do not know the full effects of the debilitating condition.
  Hannah Ruth’s mother, Sylvia, had been desperately trying to save money to buy a special tricycle to help as she cannot jump or skip and finds walking difficult.
by Asha Tanna

  She said: “I read an article in April on this special tricycle in the Down’s Syndrome magazine.
  “The tricycle is beneficial to children with this condition because it is made to order and caters for individual needs.
  “Unfortunately, they are very expensive and I couldn’t afford to spend that sort of money without help.”
The charity Mencop, run by

serving and retired police officers in and around the Watford area, raises funds for people with learning difficulties.
  “Mr Reg Hunt, committee member of the society, said “We first heard about Hannah through two of our members, Mr Allan Buxton and his wife Pauline. Mencop was delighted to be able to raise the money for the tricycle, and I’m sure it will do Hannah-Ruth the world of good.”
  The tricycle cost £312 and has been designed to have a wider seat than normal for extra comfort and metal clips		 on the pedals to keep the rider’s feet securely fastened.
  It has been called the Red Robin because of its Reliant-style three wheels.
Mrs Donnelly added: “The tricycle arrived in a big box and Hannah’s eyes lit up when she saw it.
  “She has never ridden a tricycle before and she managed perfectly. It is a blessing to see her move about so freely. I would like to thank all those involved with Mencop who have made it possible for Hannah to have this. Without them it would have been impossible.”