On Wednesday 19 October, Matt Baker, the Children in Need crew and BBC Breakfast rolled into Aberystwyth for a momentous occasion for a local hero.

Kai Frisby, who is 16 years old and has cerebral palsy took part in the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw challenge accompanied by none other than Matt Baker. The challenge for Kai was to ride from Plascrug Leisure Centre to Capel Bangor and returning to Aberystwyth Seafront.

Kai, a pupil at Ysgol Penglais is a popular and influential member of Aberystwyth wheelchair basketball club and is an ambassador for the Mighty Ducks. Kai is a Welsh International and is often seen shooting hoops on any court across Ceredigion and beyond.

Kai has previously benefited from the Children in Need campaign and having an opportunity to participate and contribute to the 2022 challenge and fundraising was a privilege and honour for him. Kai was nominated by head coach Lee Coulson.

Lee Coulson said: “Kai has been attending the club for over 7 years and his achievement within the sport as an ambassador and a Welsh international has been outstanding. Kai has shown that no matter what disability you have, anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”

Lee continued: “The rickshaw challenge was going to prove to be really difficult, as Kai is a full-time wheelchair user and does not use his legs on a daily basis. It was an amazing experience for Kai and wheelchair basketball as we try and raise the profile of the sport. We hope it encourages people with and without disabilities to come forward and try this amazing sport. Kai found the day emotionally and physically hard but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The support locally was unbelievable with people cheering and supporting along the entire route. The route was just over 12 miles and he has never cycled that distance previously. However, he was supported by the Children in Need Team and his physiotherapist Caryl to be able to take part in the challenge.”

Kai Frisby, said: “The rickshaw challenge was a fantastic opportunity for me and I absolutely loved the experience. Initially they reached out to me because they have been long-time supporters of Aberystwyth wheelchair basketball club. I was a bit sceptical at first for the obvious reason that I'm in a chair. I wasn't a confident bike rider. My concern rose after being told that I was going to cycle 12 miles. I had never ridden that far before. However, I think I was concerned for no reason because as soon as I started, the worry disappeared.

“It was great to see the overwhelming support, especially from the school and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Matt Baker. I cannot thank the amazing team for what they did for me, and I have made great connections with other riders. It was a pleasure to meet them and to hear their stories as well as getting to share my own. I'm very grateful for the opportunity and I'm so proud of everyone who took part. I'm looking forward to seeing how much money we’ve raised.”

Kai’s parents said: “Kai has been supported by a number of different charities over his life and when an opportunity as exciting as this one came along he couldn’t say no. It was such a great opportunity to give something back and help raise money for a charity that supports so many. We are immensely proud of you Kai, congratulations.”

Councillor Catrin M. S. Davies is the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Leisure. She said: "It's great that Kai has achieved such an ambitious challenge. It is clear that Kai is not only an outstanding athlete but a brave individual and he is an example to us all. Congratulations to you Kai and thank you for putting Ceredigion on the BBC Children in Need map."

A special one-off documentary will be aired on BBC One on Tuesday, 15 November which will not only share the team’s remarkable stories but also celebrate the history of the Rickshaw Challenge.

Visit www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/shows/rickshaw-challenge/ for more information.

11/11/2022