New bike brings joy to autistic man
A Feilding man with autism and who was born without eyes is overjoyed his stolen tandem bike has been replaced by a new one.
Andrew Heyward, 48, was devastated when his tandem bike was stolen about four weeks ago from the care facility he attends in Feilding.
Heyward put up posters and reported the bike to the police as stolen.
On Tuesday he was given a brand new white and green tandem bike by Palmerston North’s Bike Barn.
His sister, Jeanette Phillips, said people’s reaction to news of the missing bike and their generosity was overwhelming.
‘‘We had people offering us money and secondhand and new bikes. It was overwhelming and just goes to show the kindness and generosity of both the Palmerston North and Feilding communities.’’
Heyward’s previous bike was about 20 years old. It was bought after his granddad died and left him some money.
Phillips said her brother had kept his bike at the care facility because the staff would take him riding.
He went to go and get it one day and it was not there, she said.
Andrew’s mother, Glenda Heyward, said it was a shame the old bike was stolen but the gifted bike had made her son a very happy man.
‘‘He’s so excited. We haven’t seen him this excited in a while.
‘‘We didn’t expect anything. We just hoped to find the other bike for him. But I think it’s fantastic something so positive came out of it.’’
Phillips said her brother needed a tandem bike so someone else could be his eyes and steer it for him.
She said riding the bike was something the family would do as an activity.
Andrew Heyward said he was looking forward to biking around the lagoon, into town, up and down hills and on the bridle track.
‘‘I feel great, I feel excited – I want to go to the lagoon. Look out Feilding, here I come. I’m on this bike.’’
Jeanette Phillips’ husband, Kelly Phillips, said the new bike had given Andrew Heyward his independence back.
‘‘He’s able to get out and about and it’s something for him to do. He just loves biking.’’
Jeanette Phillips said her brother had just celebrated his 48th birthday and the new bike was the ultimate birthday present.