Ipswich seven-year old Alexander Boyle is much nearer getting a new specialist tricycle that will enable him to play with his family and friends after fundraising effort.

Ipswich Star: Alexander with his mother Elizabeth, father Stephen, sister Grace an brother Hugo, at the fundraiser for his new tricycle. Picture: STEVE WALLERAlexander with his mother Elizabeth, father Stephen, sister Grace an brother Hugo, at the fundraiser for his new tricycle. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

The youngster suffered brain damage at birth which left him with cerebral palsy – but this has not stopped him enjoying life with his family and playing with his brother and sister.

But he is growing out of the trike he has been using and needs a new one which has to be made to order and will cost about £2,000.

Ipswich Star: Seven-year-old Alexander, who has cerebral palsy, at the fundraising event raising money for his new tricycle. Picture: STEVE WALLERSeven-year-old Alexander, who has cerebral palsy, at the fundraising event raising money for his new tricycle. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

A big part of that sum was raised at a family fun day at Heathlands pre-school – part of Broke Hall Primary school where Alexander is a pupil.

Crowds of people turned out for the event which brought in £843 which will go a long way towards the cost a new trike for the youngster.

Ipswich Star: Action from the football event, held at the fundraiser for a new tricycle for Alexander Boyle, which was held at Broke Hall School, Ipswich. Picture: STEVE WALLERAction from the football event, held at the fundraiser for a new tricycle for Alexander Boyle, which was held at Broke Hall School, Ipswich. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

His delighted other Elizabeth said the event was better than they could have imagined: “It was a really good event and I would like to thank everyone who came along to support us and help Alexander.

“It is really important that he gets a new trike because as well as giving him mobility, it will also help to build up his muscles and make it easier for him to go around.”

Ipswich Star: Alexander Boyle (left) pictured with other children at the fundraiser for his new tricycle. Picture: STEVE WALLERAlexander Boyle (left) pictured with other children at the fundraiser for his new tricycle. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

The new trike will also allow Alexander to take a greater role in family events.

Mrs Boyle said: “One of the things about the new trike is that we will be able to attach it to our bikes when we go out for a ride so we can give him a bit of a help along – especially his dad. It will be really great for the whole family.”

Ipswich Star: Alexander Boyle pictured at the fundraiser for his new tricycle held at Broke Hall School, Ipswich, on 18 November 2017. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.comAlexander Boyle pictured at the fundraiser for his new tricycle held at Broke Hall School, Ipswich, on 18 November 2017. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

One of the challenges with a growing child is that Alexander will eventually grow out of his new trike – but Mrs Boyle said it should last a good time for him.

She said: “He’s had his current trike since he was three. That is too small for him now, but he’s had it four years. The new trike should do several years and will really make a difference to him as he grows up.”

Ipswich Star: Fundraisers celebrate after raising funds for a new tricycle for Alexander Boyle. Picture: STEVE WALLERFundraisers celebrate after raising funds for a new tricycle for Alexander Boyle. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Although it is good therapy, it is not available on the NHS.

Saturday’s event gave adults and children the chance to play football in the cool autumn sunshine – and then take part in craft events indoors.

Anyone who wants to support the efforts to get Alexander a new trike or find out more about the appeal can visit the family’s fundraising page online here.