Helping People with Cerebral Palsy

In 2017 I got to know Troy. Troy has Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. He has very limited movement and cannot talk. However Troy excels at English and is able to communicate via texts and emails. He has inspired my Charity, Child Flight, to help raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Society.

Troy's own story: ""I was born at Kaitaia hospital in 1999 and due to complication with the birth I didn't breathe on my own for about 19 minutes. I was told the doctors were going to give up on me at 20 minutes.

As a result of this I ended up with cerebral palsy and I am wheelchair bound. I went to kindergarten with all the other kids then when I was 5 my parents insisted I be mainstream schooled. I did my primary schooling at a little country school called Kaingaroa in the Far North. Then I went to Taipa area school where I remained until 2015 when we moved from Kaitaia to Hamilton. I have just finished my schooling at Frazer High where I graduated with honours and high distinction and passed my level 3 NCEA. I am now about to start a business management course at university. When I was growing up I travelled throughout NZ extensively as both my parents competed on the NZ rodeo circuit for 14 years. I had a few calf rides when I was younger at rodeos which was fun. I have always enjoyed sport and I follow the All Blacks, Super Rugby and motor sport particularly stockcars. My favourite pastime at home is gaming, I was introduced to an Xbox when I was 8 and I have taught myself to play using my chin. Recently my dad introduced me to flying and he has been taking me for rides in our R22 helicopter which is a real buzz. I always try and remain positive despite my disability and enjoy my life as much as I am able to. I have real awesome people around me such as my parents and caregivers and they keep me out of trouble"