A heartwarming event took place as a young boy, overcoming a rare mitochondrial disease, brought tears of joy to everyone present by walking his mother down the aisle at his parents' wedding. Little Frankie Penfold, with the support of his grandfather, learned to walk so he could accompany his mother Hannah to marry his father Thomas.
This heartening celebration was made possible by the efforts of a Bristol-based pop-up inclusive activity facility called Gympanzees, which has transformed not only Frankie’s life but also that of his family. The staff and equipment at Gympanzees enabled Frankie to walk his mother down the aisle, participate in the couple’s first dance, and even deliver a speech at the reception. The ‘Upsee’, a special piece of equipment that allows Frankie to walk upright with adult assistance after extensive training and practice, played a crucial role in this touching display, as reported by BristolLive.
Hannah, Frankie’s mother, expressed her overwhelming emotions at the sight of Frankie walking her down the aisle. She recounted how Frankie’s face lit up, and the moment, which marked the culmination of months of hard work, was a dream come true for all of them.
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The wedding, held at Quantock Lakes in Somerset, was a deeply emotional experience for the family. Hannah described her nervousness upon arrival and the overwhelming joy she felt during the ceremony. Frankie’s siblings, Teddy and Penelope, were part of the special occasion as well, with Frankie’s nonchalant demeanor contrasting their nervousness.
Hannah credited Gympanzees for the transformation in Frankie’s life and highlighted their goal to establish a permanent inclusive activity center. She emphasized the impact of the ‘Upsee’, mentioning the profound joy she felt witnessing Frankie’s interactions with other children and engaging in activities previously deemed impossible for him.
The wedding guests were moved further when Frankie delivered a surprise speech, using a communication tool known as Eye Gaze. And the couple’s wedding dance took a poignant turn when they switched to Frankie’s favorite song, “Reach for the Stars” by S Club 7, symbolizing his resilient spirit and indomitable will.
The event epitomized the triumph of inclusivity and the power of determination, showcasing the remarkable strides made by Frankie and the profound impact of Gympanzees on his life and that of his family.