22 Mar 2018
Six lives changed forever
On Saturday 2 March 2018 six individuals were special guests for a Mt Kosciuszko climb, including Hills School student, Eliza Fenech, aged 8. It made Channel Nine TV news throughout the entire next day because it was no ordinary mountain climb. It was the Mt Kosciuszko Wheelchair Summit Challenge.
This opportunity, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Turramurra and Cooma, was supported by local community groups including RFS, SES, and sports clubs who provided the pure manpower to get five wheelchair-bound people to the top of Australia's tallest mountain.
Eliza reached the top, thanks to a team of four amazing volunteers from Cooma, Berridale and Jindabyne, who were attached by a harness to her wheelchair the entire 2,224 metre high, 20km, 6 hour climb to the top and back to Charlotte's Pass.
"It was a beautiful sunny day. The view was spectacular. The people were so generous of their time and were so determined to get Eliza to the top. It was a wonderful experience – one that we'll never forget," said Eliza's Mum, Monique, who joined Eliza for the Challenge as well as her Dad, Steve and two siblings Nicholas (14) and Sophia (12).
The Challenge joined an additional initiative, Project 7in4, to utilise the climb for a good cause – Spinal Cure and Surf Life Saving, as a result of the Project 7in4 founder, who is climbing seven of the world's largest mountains in four months after recovering from a surfing accident that left him temporarily paralysed. Spinal Cure, in particular, is pushing the boundaries of research to get paralysed bodies moving again. Team Eliza raised over $1,000 for this great cause.
"She inspires the people around us every day with her infectious smile and appetite for life," said Eliza's Mum. The Challenge is potentially set to become an annual event – one which can offer The Hills School students the same amazing experience. "It's important for children in wheelchairs to be a part of something as life changing as a mountain climb. We feel so lucky that The Hills School nominated Eliza to be part of this great program."
Eliza's exciting adventure was also publised in the Hills Shire Times! To read more about Eliza's amazing summit and view her newspaper article, please see the following link: Eliza's Amazing Summit