A BRIDGWATER toddler has been given the gift of mobility after being awarded a grant to buy a new walking frame.

Arthur Alderson, aged three, has spina bifida, a spinal cord defect which makes it difficult for him to walk without the support of a walking frame.

Arthur had outgrown his previous walking frame that he kept at pre-school. As a result, his family had to transport his mobility equipment to and from home, making it a stressful and demanding journey.

The new walking frame will be kept at his pre-school, allowing him to move freely and help ease the pressure of transporting the equipment back and forth every day in the car.

Arthur’s mum, Hannah, was awarded £270 after applying to the OneFamily Foundation for a Personal Grant. The foundation was set-up by financial mutual OneFamily, to redistribute a proportion of its profits to help customers, their families and communities.

Mrs Alderson said: “Having a second walking frame means Arthur can walk independently wherever he wants to go, and is able to enjoy his time at school with his friends.

“We’re really thankful to the OneFamily Foundation for awarding us the grant. It’s made such a practical and positive impact on our whole family, and will mean my son can enjoy things that all three-year-old boys should be able to.”

Karl Elliott, marketing director at OneFamily, said: “The walking frame will not only mean Arthur can move around comfortably at school, but allow the family to have a stress-free journey there every day.

“Being a OneFamily customer means that families like Arthur’s, who need a helping hand, have the opportunity to seek support from the foundation.

“We launched the organisation to benefit our customers, their families and local communities, so I’d encourage people across Somerset to get involved and give those they care about the opportunity to receive a life-changing grant.”

OneFamily customers with active policies can apply for Foundation funding here: www.onefamily.com/your-foundation/personal-grants.