Mother Sarah said the cycle would give Karl independence

A �65,000 donation by footballer David and his wife Victoria is set to change the life of Karl Luxford, from east London, who has cerebellar atrophy.

The gift was made via the Beckhams' trust to two charities and pays for non-NHS equipment for children.

Victoria's mother told Karl's mother Sarah the news, who said: "I don't know how I could ever thank the Beckhams."

Karl cannot walk because his legs are weakened by the cerebellar atrophy he has suffered since birth.

I think it was so nice, the personal touch and the fact that they took time out to call me Sarah Luxford

His condition means his leg muscles are so weak he can only get around by crawling or using a wheelchair.

He cannot speak and he suffers from epilepsy.

Miss Luxford, 27, from Hackney, said it would help his movement.

"It is going to have such a huge impact on his life and his life quality," she said.

"I don't know how I could ever thank the Beckhams for what they have done. This one small piece of equipment makes such a difference."

Frustration

The Beckhams' donation was split equally between the charities Children Today and Action for Kids.

It will pay for wheelchairs, cycles, and other equipment not available on the NHS.

The Beckhams are global celebrities

Karl was one of 20 children chosen by Children Today to benefit from their share of the gift.

Miss Luxford said he gets frustrated because he cannot keep up with other children.

"Using the bicycle will help him experience a different way of movement and give him independence."

She said she received a phone call from Victoria's mother, Jackie Adams, on behalf of the famous couple, to tell her the news.

"I think it was so nice, the personal touch and the fact that they took time out to call me.

"It made me feel like my child was a little bit more special."

Miss Luxford also received the Real Madrid midfielder's autograph through the post.