The Gold Coast Bulletin

Recovery the icing on Calyn’s cake

- NICHOLAS MCELROY NICHOLAS.MCELROY@NEWS.COM.AU

LITTLE Calyn Hoad is about to take a bite of his birthday cake for the first time in almost 18 months.

In 2013, the inspiratio­nal schoolboy saved the life of his brother, Kya, 5, when he pushed him away from an approachin­g four-wheeldrive – only to be hit himself.

Calyn’s skull was fractured and he spent two-and-a-half weeks in an induced coma.

But he is again walking, eating and dancing, in time for his ninth birthday on Sunday.

Calyn’s act of bravery was honoured with the Pride of Australia National Child of Courage 2014 medal in Sydney late last year.

Calyn’s aunty, Rebecca Hoad, has organised a family fun day for his big day, which she hopes will raise money for further rehabilita­tion and a seizure alert dog.

She wants her nephew to have the best care possible and is constantly inspired by is attitude.

“He doesn’t feel sorry for himself and inspires everyone around him. It is nothing short of amazing that he is now eating and walking. Even his cheekiness is back,” she said.

Calyn’s mother, Shana, said her son loved going to special school: “He has a jumping happy dance that he does when we get ready.”

She said visits to medical specialist­s in Australia and Germany had led to steady improvemen­ts in daily life for Calyn.

“He is starting to walk without his wheelchair. He has speech therapy three days a week and has started saying ‘mum’ again.”

The family fun day starts at 11am on Sunday at Bill Norris Oval, Boundary St, Beenleigh.

VISIT BRINGINGCA­LYNHOME.NGCALYNHOM­E.COM.AU

 ?? Picture: REGI VARGHESE ?? Calyn Hoad, 8, with brother Kya, 5, whose life he saved.
Picture: REGI VARGHESE Calyn Hoad, 8, with brother Kya, 5, whose life he saved.
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