Talon rises from chair to compete
IT was a bittersweet victory when Talon Donnelly crossed the finish line in the 2km Junior Dash.
Legally blind and with limited motor skills, the nineyear-old who has Batten disease completed the race in just under 30 minutes handin-hand with sister Cruiz, 9, family friend Julian Hollis and his carer Heather.
Mum Melinda Donnelly said Talon’s zest for life had helped him overcome his fears of competing.
“When the crowd was cheering him on he was giggling and had this sense of accomplishment – it was just amazing,” she said.
“It’s bittersweet for us because next year he might not be able to walk if his condition deteriorates. We’ll be pushing him in a wheelchair instead in the 5.7km race.
“But he’ll still compete because he’s very resilient and he loves it.”
Talon’s Team have competed in every Gold Coast Airport Marathon since he was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disorder three years ago.
While he requires a wheelchair most of the time, Talon can still walk.
Siblings Honey, 11, and Rogue, 12, showed their support by competing against more than 500 other young guns in the Zespri 4km Junior Dash.
In the 2km race Jarra, 5, and Brodie Presland, 3, were also competing for more than just fun.
Part of the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation team, the youngsters raised awareness on travel safety in memory of family friend Casey Kinnaird who died in a cycling accident three years ago.
“The race was so much fun with everyone,” Jarra said.
Jaxon Paterson-Wright took out the 4km dash in 12mins36secs while Matthew Lowe won the 2km dash in 6mins53secs.