A TRUST named after an “inspirational” little girl with cerebral palsy is now providing free horse riding for children with additional needs.

Sali Austin, from Elmswell, launched the Amelia Jane Inspirational Trust, named after her nine-year-old daughter Amelia Jane Austin-Ryder, in June last year.

The trust, which provides physical therapies for youngsters with additional needs, is paying for four children to have free horse riding at Hill Farm Stables in Elmswell every week.

Miss Austin, 50, who is a single mother, said she felt compelled to help other families after she herself experienced the financial pressure of paying for her daughter’s “essential” physiotherapy.

She said Amelia Jane did not qualify for funding for the physiotherapy, which she needed to keep her mobile and her muscles stretched. She said: “Our main purpose was to help other families, ease the burden on them I had found as a mum myself.”

She said she thought she would name the trust after her daughter as everyone who met her described her as an inspiration.

Miss Austin, a mother-of-four, said her goal was for 12 children to be able to receive the free horse riding at Hill Farm Stables at this time next year, adding the “ultimate aim” was to donate a pony to the stables. The trust will also donate money to the special care baby unit and rainbow ward at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, which have supported Amelia Jane throughout her life.

To donate to the trust call Miss Austin on 07707 166288 or email austin02@hotmail.co.uk

A summer ball in aid of the trust is also taking place on June 1 at Blackbourne Hall, Elmswell. Contact Miss Austin for tickets.

Visit the Amelia Jane Inspirational Trust’s Facebook page for more information.