Hunter rolling with ‘pedal power’
The only set of wheels 6-year-old Hunter Grooby had known was on his wheelchair.
While many children Hunter’s age were learning to ride bikes and kick balls, his little legs did not have the coordination to step one foot in front of the other. Hunter was born 10-weeks early with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
But there’s hope for change since Wakefield School and its community banded together to raise money for a customised tricycle.
‘‘Pedal power go,’’ Hunter said as he rolled around the school grounds, pushed by his older sister Abby. ‘‘Thank you for raising money for my blue bike. I appreciate your support.’’
Hunter’s teacher aide, Christine Ross, said she was inspired by a story on television about a young boy with the same condition. The boy’s father had built a special bike for him which helped build his leg muscles up so he could learn to walk.
Cerebral palsy affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance, and can affect motor skills.
Ross said Hunter’s brain was ‘‘amazing, but his body can’t match his intellect’’.
Ross knew a tricycle would be possible for Hunter and, with the backing of his parents, she set about raising the $5000 needed to buy one.
‘‘The community of Wakefield has been absolutely amazing.’’
The trike is specifically made for Hunter’s needs, allowing it to be pushed, which prompts the pedals to turn. The goal is to get Hunter’s legs to follow the pedal movement.
‘‘While he’s doing that, it will be strengthening his legs all the time. We’re hoping that it will help him build the muscles in his legs,’’ Ross said.
She said if all it did was ‘‘give him some pleasure, isn’t that great’’.
‘‘His wee face, it was just priceless. He’s very excited about this bike.’’