This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

GETTING a bike is an important milestone in any child’s life, but for Katherine Russell, it finally allows her to be just like everybody else.

Six-year-old Katherine, who suffers from cerebral palsy and cannot walk independently, was recently presented with her very own custom-made cruiser from the Rotary Club of Jimboomba.

Her mum Cindy said the bike meant Katherine could be like all the other kids in their Flagstone street. It also assists with her rehabilitation.

“We live in a really nice neighbourhood where all the kids get out in the street they ride their bikes and they all play together, but Katherine was always left behind because she’d be trying to keep up on her walking frame,” Mrs Russell said.

“On the bike she zooms around as quick as everybody else.”

Symptoms of Katherine’s cerebal palsy included very tight leg muscles, but an operation earlier this year in which her nerves were stimulated and severed helped immeasurably.

It was while recovering in hospital that the benefits to Katherine of riding a bike were recognised.

“The hospital had one on loan to us, and the change in her - not only her mobility but her independence and her confidence - was just through the roof,” Mrs Russell said.

“It was the school at the hospital that said, ‘wow, what a great tool, do you have one at home?’ and I said ‘no, we could never afford to get one’.”

Hospital staff contacted the Rotary Club of Jimboomba, which was happy to help, and the $1500 bike was delivered within two months.

Mrs Russell said now Katherine was exceeding all her expectations.

“She’s starting to achieve things that she couldn’t do before. She’s now swimming and she can ride a bike,” Mrs Russell said.

“The bike is really helping to strengthen her leg muscles, which is what we’re aiming for, and all going well she may walk independently at the end of her rehab process.

“I don’t want to get my hopes up and I have no expectations, I just know at this stage she is going a lot better than anyone thought.”

Mrs Russell and her husband Jack, could not thank Rotary enough for its support.

“The fact that people who don’t even know us have helped us has been quite overwhelming,” Mrs Russell said.

“If it wasn’t for the help of our local community - (friend of Rotary) Jo Thompson and the Rotary Club - Katherine wouldn’t have this bike.

“The benefits for her are just too high, and she loves screaming around the street with the other kids.”

Katherine chose the colour of the new bike - purple - and rides it nearly every day.

She especially loves tearing down the  family’s driveway.

“It’s great,” she said.

“When I go downhill I’m really good, when I go uphill it’s a bit harder,” she said.

Jimboomba Rotary president John Weir said being able to see Katherine on her new bike was fantastic.

“That’s what the Rotary Club is all about, helping the community,” he said.

Above- Katherine Russell tests her bike as parents Cindy and Jack, Rotary  president John Weir and friend of Rotary Jo Thompson watch on.