Walking with her head held high

A Rotorua schoolgirl and her parents have had their lives changed dramatically by the generosity of locals.

Shyla-Mei Corbett, who has cerebral palsy, is on her feet after Rotorua Lions Clubs donated $10,000 to buy her a special piece of equipment that enables her to walk independently for the first time.

Previous walkers given to Shyla-Mei failed because they were either too heavy or created bad posture and an unnatural way of walking.

But the new walker, which will be altered as she grows, means she no longer has to sit on the ground or rely on others to help her stand and move.

Her mother, Nicole Galland, said it was giving Shyla-Mei a new perspective on the world.

"It gives her all the support she needs and she has her hands free so she can do whatever she wants. The other day she picked flowers from the garden. It's life-changing for her and us."

Shyla-Mei's special type of cerebral palsy is characterised by altering muscle tone and involuntary muscle movement.

She can't stand on her own without falling and is unable to talk. The lack of muscle control means swallowing is also a struggle. She is fed with a formula through a tube which leads directly into her stomach.

In recent years she has had the support of physiotherapist Jude Webber who worked at finding the right equipment to meet her needs.

She helped Ms Galland apply for the Australian-designed Hart walker which Rotorua Lions Clubs agreed to fund.

Mrs Webber said that despite Shyla-Mei's physical disability, she was an intelligent girl who enjoyed standing alongside her peers at Malfroy Primary School.

"She was the perfect candidate for this equipment," she said. "Walking by herself now, she can have experiences other children have as well as develop her fitness and strengthen muscles.

In an emotional ceremony, Shyla-Mei's family thanked Lions club members for their support.

Father James Corbett said his daughter had blossomed since starting school last November. Walking without the support of her parents or teacher aid was the next step in her development.

"This really has opened up a whole new world for her. She loves school and is the only kid I know who loves getting homework."

Rotorua Sulphur City Lions Club president Helen Goucher said clubs were more than happy to draw on funds to pay for the walker.

"It's for people like Shyla-Mei and her family that I got into Lions," she said. "It's not about funding a project - it's about helping people and making a difference in their lives."