Isaac Minney has a mountain to climb.
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The 11-year-old who’s faced many challenges in life has his eyes set on Australia’s highest peak.
Isaac is taking part in the Krazy Kosci Klimb up Mount Kosciuszko, an event for young people living with cerebral palsy or other disability.
Mum Anna Minney says the venture makes the “impossible seem possible”.
Isaac’s biggest achievement so far has been taking his first steps on his own without a walking frame, Mrs Minney said.
He did this aged five after working determinedly at a combination of therapies.
When a friend from early intervention services in Dubbo had an amazing experience doing the Krazy Kosci Klimb earlier this year, it drew the interest of Anna and husband Michael and Isaac.
“It makes the impossible seem possible and I love it when children with various forms of disabilities break through challenges and reach milestones and goals that initially seem impossible,” Mrs Minney said.
“This then has the flow-on effect of inspiring others, which I adore.”
Despite disability, Isaac has been making progress.
“Even being able to pick something off the floor, that’s a massive achievement for Isaac, he gets a lot of pleasure out of doing that,” Mrs Minney said.
Isaac supported by a team of nine others will start at Charlotte Pass, heading for the summit of Mount Kosciuszko nine kilometres away on February 17.
He is one of two young people from Dubbo to take part in the event that will involve 21 teams this year.
Isaac will walk as much of the way as he can, and then use his jogging pram as needed.
Taking part will be huge.
“You can’t put into words how it will feel,” Mrs Minney said.
The event is also a fundraiser for research, programs, and equipment to support exercise programs for children with physical disabilities, mainly cerebral palsy.
Isaac’s achievements have been celebrated by a community that Mrs Minney has felt has “taken him under its wing”.
“It’s not just a family triumph, it’s a whole community triumph,” she said.
“I think he inspires people.”
While there were still many things he could not do, and he remained non-verbal, her son had an amazing way of communicating with people, Mrs Minney said.
There will be a barbecue and cake stall at Bunnings on Sunday to raise money for the cause.
Donations have already started flowing into Isaac’s online fundraising page, with people wishing him well.
One donor said: “Dear Isaac, so proud of you.”
Mrs Minney said the community was so supportive, not just of Isaac but others as well.
“We’re lucky to be in a town like this,” she said.