Beckhams charity gift
A crippled seven-year-old's life is to be transformed with a specialist cycle paid for by the Beckhams, his mother said today.
Wheelchair-bound Karl Luxford cannot walk because his legs are weakened by the cerebellar atrophy he has suffered since birth.
But a specialist cycle, paid for as part of a £65,000 donation by David and Victoria Beckham to two children's charities, is set to change Karl's life.
His mother Sarah Luxford, 27, today said: "It is going to have such a huge impact on his life and his life quality. I don't know how I could ever thank the Beckhams for what they have done. this one small piece of equipment makes such a difference."
Karl's condition means his legs muscles are so weak he can only get around by crawling or using a wheelchair. He cannot speak, has learning difficulties, and suffers from epilepsy.
Miss Luxford, from Hackney, east London, said: "He does get frustrated because he watches other children and he can't keep up with them in his wheelchair. His legs give way after about half an hour in his standing frame.
"Using the bicycle will help him experience a different way of movement and give him independence."
The Beckham's donation, split between the charities Children Today and Action for Kids, will pay for wheelchairs, cycles, and other equipment not available on the NHS.
Miss Luxford said: "Victoria's mum called me to tell me they were buying the bike for Karl. She was phoning on Victoria and David's behalf and obviously they were getting in touch with other children as well."
"I think it was so nice, the personal touch and the fact that they took time out to call me. It made me feel like my child was a little bit more special. And I think Becks is absolutely brilliant - they both are."
Miss Luxford also received the Real Madrid midfielder's autograph through the post.
Karl was one of 20 children chosen by Children Today to benefit from the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust donation.
At about £30,000, it is one of the largest single gifts to the charity in its ten year history.
Alan Dodd, director of Children Today, said: "David and Victoria's generosity is invaluable in helping us to meet the needs of many more disabled children and support them in facing the challenges life throws at them."
