KIAMA Downs youngster Dexter Heffernan will be able to enjoy the beach for the first time this summer, following the donation of a $5000 beach wheelchair.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Three-year-old Dexter was born prematurely and suffered periventricular leukomalacia, a form of brain damage.
At 13 months Dexter was also diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and surgery after lesions were discovered in his liver and lungs.
One Fitness 24/7 Kiama faced the ice bucket challenge in August, deciding to raise funds to buy a beach wheelchair for Dexter.
On Monday, general manager Nichole Andrews presented the family with the new wheelchair.
"Rather than just raising money for Dexter and giving it to the family, we wanted to be able to give back to Dexter as well, for something he could use," she said.
"Now he can go to the beach, whereas before they couldn't go to the beach, it was too hard."
Dexter's mother Lenice said the gym had decided on the wheelchair after seeing Dexter's wishlist online. It meant the family could access nearby Jones Beach.
"Because Dexter can't walk and we have two other kids, coming down here would be difficult," she said.
"It's going to make summer so much easier; we haven't actually had a summer where we can get Dexter in the water yet.
"This is actually his first summer where we're going to be able to get him on the beach, so it's pretty exciting."
Mrs Heffernan said her son had another hip surgery about seven weeks ago.
"He's a little trooper. He's doing really well."
One Fitness also hosted a Melbourne Cup raffle at the Sebel Harbourside, raising another $1200 for Dexter.
The "Christmas Crates for Dexter" will take place again.
Organisers will have a 'turning on' of the lights, with a sausage sizzle which starts at 6pm on Friday.
Come and see their unique Christmas display and try to find your way through the maze at 35 Clarence Street, Berry.
