A CAMPAIGN to get a young boy out and about with his friends has been launched.

Declan Hunt, 10, has Down’s Syndrome and autism.

The youngster suffers from hypermobility syndrome and low muscle tone, which means he needs a specially adapted bicycle to help keep up with his friends.

Mum Diane said Declan, who attends The Hub at Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School, Tranent, had tried out an adapted bike there and it had made a huge difference to his mobility. Now she hopes to be able to raise enough funds to buy him one of his own.

Diane, who lives with Declan on Macmerry’s Whiteloch Road and is his full-time carer, said: “Declan is a really active young boy who loves nothing more than being outdoors and with his friends.

“His condition means he needs a specialist tricycle to be able to keep up and it will make a huge difference to him.

“Unfortunately the cost is just too much for me and I am very grateful to everyone who has offered support to help get Declan his dream bike.”

Declan has already been assessed for a bicycle and the company involved is ready to make it for him, but the family need to raise £3,000 to pay for the specialist bicycle and a secure storage shed for it.

As well as letting Declan play with friends, the adapted bike will also help improve the strength of his legs, giving him additional support.

Diane said: “Declan is such a happy, fun boy and his biggest wish is to be able to ride a bike independently. Any help in making this dream come true for him would just be amazing. He deserves it.”

Among those answering the rallying call is the youngster’s uncle, Darren Johnstone.

The 29-year-old will be testing his pain threshold when he undergoes a charity waxathon.

Taxi driver Darren will have his arms, legs, chest and back waxed on January 27 at Just Teasing Hair and Beauty salon, Tranent.

He said: “I’ve put on the sponsor form that the more sponsors I get, the more of the body gets waxed.

“Being my nephew, I am just trying to do as much as I can for him.”

A race night is also being planned in the New Year to further boost the fundraising total.

To support the fundraising for Declan, go to justgiving.com/crowd funding/diane-johnstone