“I was five when experts said that I would never walk. That I should not even try because it would be a waste of time.  In 2019 I finished the 5km Melbourne Marathon event.

I proved dreams can come true.”

Donna, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

At birth, Donna was not breathing, so the parts of her brain that control speech and movement were damaged. Soon after, her Mother, was told by doctors that Donna had Cerebral Palsy. She would never be able to do things that come naturally to most children, and certainly would never be able to walk.

Donna used a wheelchair to get out and about and visit the park, go to the shops and her school. It was soon after her fifth birthday that a doctor said Donna should start wearing callipers to help her learn to walk. Donna said:

“He said callipers might help me to walk. I saw my friends walking and I wanted to walk too. But my special school said “No. She will never walk anyway, so why bother?” These experts told us that I had nothing to hope for. It made me so sad I thought my heart would break. It still makes me want to cry. Why would someone kill a young person’s dreams?”

Donna is now 48 years old and she still feels the heartache those words caused her. Our dreams are what give us hope and although Donna had her hope of walking dashed, she never gave up. Donna explained:

“I had a really great Nan. She was the best. She always told me, "Don’t listen to what they say. I know one day you will walk!" That is something I have never forgotten. My motto came from her. ‘Never give up on your dreams!’ No matter what people say to me I will never give up.”

The staff at the Scope Day Support centre helped Donna learn to walk. Her original walking frame was so big that the only place to practise was out on the street. It was so cumbersome that Donna, in 2017 purchased her own walking frame to help her learn to walk. It was physically hard for Donna but she never gave up. It took years of hard work but her dream to walk came true.

In 2019, Donna successfully completed the 5km Melbourne Marathon event using her wheelchair and walking frame and now she wants to participate every year. Like anyone who achieves a goal, Donna set more. Donna now sees possibility everywhere.

“I am thinking about becoming a mentor for all people, young or old, with or without a disability. I want to tell people, “Don’t give up… always follow your dreams!” I want to support anyone who is facing a challenge and tell them to never give up,” she said.

Your support today will help more people like Donna to dream big and achieve their goals. Together, anything is possible.