Wish comes true for young Gemma
By TMX Archives on 27th Apr 07
NOT every 14-year-old girl is bike mad, but Gemma Morton from Kinallen, Northern Ireland, who lives with Hodgkins Lymphoma, has a passion for motorcycles. That's why last week was so special for the youngster who had her wish to own a trials bike granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation, the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Gemma, who has always been interested in bikes, had previously been forced to give up biking and sell her machines due to her condition, but now she wants to try again.
A private limousine collected Gemma, mum Andrea, dad Mark, her brothers and sister from home to take them to Sunday lunch at the Halfway House Restaurant at Bainbridge. Unbeknown to her, whilst she was enjoying a family lunch, a brand new Scorpa TYS125F trials bike was being delivered to her home and former world trials ace Robert Crawford was waiting to meet her.
''I couldn't get over the look of excitement on Gemma's face as she stepped out of the limousine and saw the bike for the first time, '' said Darren Fowler, Make-A-Wish regional manager for Northern Ireland. ''That moment reminds me why we do the work we do.''
Gemma hurriedly changed into her accompanying new helmet boots and protective clothing before Robert gave her a few pointers to help her along the way.
''This girl is truly a natural,'' declared Robert, as Gemma took control of the gleaming new machine.
Gemma has already persuaded her father to let her join a club and he too, a complete novice, is going to buy a bike and join his daughter in the sport.