SURF lifesaver Michael Lord has achieved a huge milestone: his first patrol of Flynns Beach in a Magic Mobility 4WD wheelchair.
Michael’s wheels hit the beach on Monday, 8 December.
While his everyday wheelchair is great for daily life, it simply isn’t designed to go on sand.
Navigating the reams of paperwork required by the NDIS for new pieces of equipment can be time consuming and complex, but when Michael told his Occupational Therapist April O’Neill that being a surf lifesaver was how he wanted to participate in his local area, she was keen to tackle the challenge.
April told News Of The Area, “when Michael said his goal was to be a surf lifesaver, I just thought let’s do this.
“I have absolutely seen huge benefits to his mental health since he has started taking part, and I think that will keep improving.”
Joining Michael on his first foray onto the sand at Flynn’s Beach were local disability advocates, as well as Mayor Adam Roberts, Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, State MP Robert Dwyer, and Federal MP Pat Conaghan.
When asked how he felt, Michael told News Of The Area, “this is going to make the most tremendous amount of difference to what I can do to help and give back to the community.
“I’m so excited. Just now I was able to go onto the beach and warn a young family about the blue bottles that had washed up.
“This is going to be life changing.”
NDIS approval for this wheelchair was made possible due to a collaborative effort between Michael’s Allied Health team, his support coordinator and Port Macquarie Surf Lifesaving.
By Rachael THORPE
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