WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018
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Lilly’s race against the clock Masterton’s Lilly Dickon has always been a ÿ ghter writes EMILY IRELAND.
A miracle born at just 25 weeks, the now five-year-old lives with the challenges of cerebral palsy and vision impairment every day. But that hasn’t stopped her from starting school this year, learning in “leaps and bounds” at Douglas Park. Her conditions however, have prevented Lilly from going through crucial stages of development as a child, including crawling and walking. Instead, she is either wheelchair-bound or resorts to “bum-shuffling” from place to place – an unnatural movement which means, without swift intervention, she will likely need hip replacements at the age of six. But there’s hope for Lilly in the form of intense physical therapy in Australia, which her mum Amy and teacher aide Grace Mowbray are hoping they can raise money for. It will cost about $15,000 for flights, the therapy, and accommodation, but for Lilly’s mum, it’s the best shot there is to get Lilly walking. “The way she is moving is completely unnatural,” she said. “Soon Lilly will end up being in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.”
Teacher aid Grace Mowbray, left, Lilly and her mum Amy Dickon.
PHOTO/EMILY IRELAND
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