Courier-Mail Children’s Fund donates new legs to quadruple amputee

SOMETIMES wishes do come true. And that’s the case for little Mia Wilkinson, who now has two more reasons to smile after her year from hell.

SOMETIMES wishes do come true. And The Sunday Mail and The Courier-Mail are delighted to have been able to help deliver this one.

Little Mia Wilkinson has been through the year from hell. The five-year-old with the contagious smile beat off deadly sepsis, which she developed after a bout of the flu. Sadly, the bubbly preppy lost both her arms and her legs.

RELATED: Flu victims’ families move to help save others

In yesterday’s Courier-Mail, Mia said all she wanted for Christmas was a new pair of comfortable legs so she could play with her friends and do the things they do.

Mia Wilkinson, 5, with dad Peter and mum Amy. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

Mia’s legs were amputated in January, and she was fitted with legs from the hospital in July.

But children keep growing and after just a few months, her legs are now too small. A new set costs upwards of $30,000.

Today we can announce that Mia will have her new legs, thanks to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund, which has donated the much-needed $30,000 to the Wilkinson family.

“Little Mia is exactly why The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund exists. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to help Mia and her family,’’ Children’s Fund board member Jason Scott said.

“The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund has been helping Queensland kids since 1909.

“What is unique about the fund is that 100 cents in the dollar go straight to children in need.’’

Mia’s mother, Amy, said the gift was a wish come true for the whole family.

“Buying a new pair of legs is not like buying a new pair of shoes, and Mia is going to outgrow quite a few pairs of legs in her childhood,’’ Amy said.

“The newspaper and the Children’s Fund are awesome for helping us.’’

The Wilkinsons excitedly receive their donation. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

But many challenges still lie ahead for the Brisbane girl as she adjusts to life as a quadruple amputee. She will continue to have many requirements.

Visit movementformia.org to make a donation. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund will continue to help children. It is hoped that The World’s Biggest Garage Sale this Saturday will raise $300,000 for the fund.