The Lions Club of Emu Plains plus undesignated funds from the Richmond and Penrith Lions Clubs, have sponsored the purchase of a Large Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer Walker, valued at $6,975 for Noor of Whalan.

This walker for Noor, a 5-year old boy, is required as Noor has a rare syndrome known as L1 Syndrome, meaning he is unable to stand independently and requires supportive seating. Noor’s ability to independently interact and explore his environment is currently limited by the fact that he can only crawl for short distances and he does not have access to equipment which would enable him to navigate his surroundings whether that is at school, home or in the community.

The purchase was organised through the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation (ALCMF), which forms part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest community service group. ALCMF Trustees are all members of Lions Australia and Volunteers.

Greg English, the District Chair of ALCMF, said “We empower children who cannot walk unassisted to reach their potential. We do this by facilitating the funding of walking devices that get kids out of their wheelchairs and onto their feet so that they are able to walk, explore, play, work and socialise. This makes them stronger and healthier – physically, emotionally and mentally. Walking is our gift to the child, a gift that benefits the child, their family and friends. Our on-going goal is to provide a walker to every child in Australia who needs one. Hence our motto; May every child walk with pride”.

The walker was fitted on Friday 20th September at Noor’s home at Whalan, with representatives from the Lions Club of Emu Plains plus Greg English from ALCMF and Haley Cane of Lifestart physiotherapy to witness Cameron Brown of Astris PME to ‘fit and handover’ the walker to Noor and his Mum, Kamilia.