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Astella | Member Story

Meet AstellaAt 20 years old, Astella is embracing new opportunities and looking ahead to an exciting future.Having used a powerchair her whole life, she recently completed a course in Media and Design and is now preparing to study Business Studies. She's also celebrating another exciting milestone - learning to drive after receiving a modified vehicle. "I'm super excited," she says....

Amy | DSRHB Member Story

Amy Sutton has always loved being part of the action. Raised on a family farm and later a citrus orchard in Gisborne alongside her two brothers, she spent her childhood outdoors - walking dogs, feeding animals, joining in games, and embracing every opportunity to have a go.Now 34, Amy lives at Hohepa Hawke's Bay after moving there when she was 20 and just finishing school. Amy says she was lucky to be welcomed into the Hohepa community and is very happy there, “living my best life”....

Cam | Member Story

For Hawke's Bay youngster Cam Bartle, 13, being able to take part in sport is something he never takes for granted.Diagnosed during a routine 19-week scan with a complex heart condition, Cam was born with only half a heart, positioned on the opposite side of his chest. Since then, his life has been shaped by remarkable strength and resilience. He has undergone four open-heart surgeries, the first when he was just five days old, and spent years travelling to hospital appointments alongside his fa...

Georgia | Member Story

Georgia is 15 years old and attends Havelock North High School. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and loves being around her pets. Georgia lives with her mum, dad and older sister and has a dog and two cats, who are a big part of family life....

Nathan | Member Story

For Nathan Taylor, sport has never been about doing things the same way as everyone else. It's about finding a way to be involved, having fun and continuing to challenge himself.Born 12 weeks early, Nathan lives with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus following a significant brain bleed at birth. Now 17, he has faced more than ten brain surgeries due to shunt complications and, after further surgical challenges resulted in a significant leg length difference, now uses a wheelchair full-time.“It�...