AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy with a crippling condition has been given a new lease of life thanks to Bicester Round Table.

Ryan Spencer, left, has Hypermobility Syndrome, which means his muscles cannot support his bones, and is forced to spend a lot of time in a wheelchair.

But, after his grandmother Margaret Hawkins contacted the organisation, they stepped in, giving him his own mobility scooter.

Ryan’s mother Carol, of Springfield Road, Caversfield, said Ryan was diagnosed in February after eight years of tests.

She said: “He’s got it in every joint in his body. He is prone to breaking or dislocating bones. He can’t walk for more than 15 minutes without being in pain.

“He is in a lot of pain most of the time.”

She said using a wheelchair could be detrimental to his health as he needed to move to maintain strength in his muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Mrs Spencer, 40, a data manager at Cooper School in Churchill Road, Bicester, said: “He was finally diagnosed in February. We have been in limbo for eight years.

“He has had it since he was a baby — he never wanted to walk and his ankles started folding in.

“It has been an uphill battle. He can’t push himself in the wheelchair because his wrists get sore.

“He is a very independent eight-year-old and likes to do things on his own.

“The scooter gives Ryan a lot more independence.”

Mrs Spencer added: “It had been very hard to get him to go anywhere because he sees he is different to other kids and can’t run like other kids.”

Mrs Spencer is keen to find Ryan a pilates teacher who could help him develop his movement and muscle strength.

Anyone who can help should call 07725 894879.