A Tranent mum has praised the actions of two Good Samaritans who stepped forward to help her son, who has fragile bones.

Pauline Dodds said that the gifts of a mobility scooter and Xbox to her 13-year-old son Reece by Musselburgh businessman Alex Brown, through contact with Davie Martin, of Radio Saltire, “touched my heart”.

“For the first time in a week, to see a smile on my wee boy’s face, that meant the world to me,” she said.

On Tranent Gala Day, Reece fell and broke his ankle and arm, and spent three days in hospital.

He has a cast and rocker shoe on his leg and foot, and his arm is also in a cast as he recovers.

Pauline said that Reece had had trouble with his feet and legs since the age of five, highlighting a lack of strength in them.

She said that he has been diagnosed with osteopenia – the stage before osteoporosis. This is when a bone density scan shows a lower bone density than average for that age but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis.

Pauline said that if Reece fell, he was at a greater risk of breaking limbs. He has also been diagnosed with two other diseases in his feet and legs, she said.

She said that Reece would have to learn to walk again and the mobility scooter would give him independence, adding: “Reece is also absolutely buzzing with the Xbox. He’s absolutely delighted. A happy kid is a happy mum.”

Reece is attending the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People in Edinburgh and is undergoing intense physiotherapy in Musselburgh.

Pauline stressed: “What Alex and Davie did for my son touched my heart. It is outstanding generosity.”

Alex, who owns Ideal Flooring Solutions on High Street, Musselburgh, was put in touch with the family by his good friend Davie.

He decided to buy Reece a mobility scooter and Xbox from the profits of his big carpet and vinyl sale in the old Bronx Boxing Gym on Bridge Street in Tranent.

“When I heard about this lad’s story, it pulled at my heartstrings and I felt we just had to do something to help,” said Alex, an ex-boxer and author.

He recalled that when he was 15, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was told to stay away from school, boxing and his friends.

He said: “I spent a full year confined to my house, only able to leave to go to hospital. It was the boredom that was the very worst thing for me.

“Remembering this, I decided I would purchase an Xbox for Reece as well as the mobility scooter.

“I feel not only giving him the ability to get around but also a way to help him from not being bored at home was the best way to help Reece.

“While it is very humbling to be recognised for what we do, this is not why we do it. But if this can show other people or businesses what a little kindness can do by giving a hand to others, then I feel if we inspire even one business or person to do what they can, then maybe together we can all help a little, and make a difference even in these uncertain times.”

Alex paid tribute to Mr Martin, who “does so much for others”, adding: “Davie Martin is very inspirational to me with everything he does for the community and he is extremely important in helping us identify people we have been able to help.

“Davie is a big part of everything we do and I am one of many people who feel Davie deserves to be recognised for over 40 years of helping the community and his charity work.

“How he has not been awarded an MBE by now I don’t know; it’s long overdue.”

Alex said he appreciated the support of councillors who identified people who might benefit from his help.