A LITTLE boy from Sauchie is finally able to ride a bike with his friends, thanks to the generosity of the local Masonic Lodge.

Members of Lodge Ladywell 1474 in Tullibody held a sportsmans dinner recently to raise funds for a youngster in the community who needed help with some sport equipment.

And when they asked around to see who could benefit from the fundraiser, they came across Jack McKenzie – a four-year-old who suffers from cerebral palsy spastic diplegia.

They heard how Jack had been “desperate” for a bike but his parents had been unable to afford one that catered for him and his condition.

But after raising a fantastic sum of £2560 with Saturday’s dinner, the lodge were able to present young Jack with a specially-adapted trike made by Theraplay in Glasgow.

Jack’s mum Rebecca told the Advertiser: “Jack has been desperate for a bike for a long time but the standard bike just doesn’t have the support he needs.

“We weren’t really able to get a specially-adapted one for him and we were looking at fundraising ourselves when we got the notice from the lodge.

“It was amazing, his wee face lit up when he got it. It’s so nice that he can be included and he can get out.

“In fact, he’s been out in the pouring rain with it, we just can’t get him off it.”

Lodge secretary Michael Empson said that members were delighted to help Jack and his family and the response was very positive.

Many of those who won the raffles re-donated their prizes to the auction at the end of the night.

Mr Empson praised the two guest speakers on the evening, former football referee John Rowbotham and Arbroath manager Dick Campbell, with special thanks to Tom Paterson who chaired the evening.

Lodge Ladywell would also like to thank the sponsors who donated prizes, including Mayfield Autos, Watson Properties, Carruthers Welding Services, Mike Mulraney at Alloa Athletic, Sauchie Juniors, Stirling Albion, Williams Bros. Brewery, Brian Leishman, Davy Hanson and Captain Alex Stewart.