Shooting for the top: Hudson to take part in Krazy Klimb

A shoutout from his favourite Harlem Globetrotters’ player has given young fan Hudson Nicholas even more reason to shoot for his dream - and possibly an Australian first.

A shoutout from his favourite Harlem Globetrotters’ player has given young fan Hudson Nicholas even more reason to shoot for his dream - and possibly an Australian first.

The nine-year-old Sydney boy, who lives with cerebral palsy, hopes to be the first to land a ‘trick shot’ in a basketball hoop at the highest point in the land.

He’s one of 15 young people with the condition who’ll be trekking, or wheeling, the 18kms to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko as part of the Krazy Kosci Klimb next weekend.

Hudson’s dad Peter is a vital part of the ‘Hudson Globetrotters’ support crew - and the one tasked with lugging a basketball hoop to the top.

Hudson Nicholas, who lives with cerebral palsy, is looking forward to the Krazy Kosci Klimb. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“Hudson was born at 31 weeks and spent the first two years of his life in and out of hospital and has undergone over 40 surgeries,” Mr Nicholas said.

“We were told he would probably not walk or talk, or go to school, but he’s proven everyone wrong, and through it all remained full of humour and full of life.

“He loves being active, and throwing and catching a ball was something he could do even from his hospital bed - he loves every ball sport, but especially basketball.

“The Harlem Globetrotters are his favourite and he loves watching ‘trick shots’ and attempting them - and is always getting me to set challenges up for him.

“Once he reaches the summit he plans to take a shot at setting an Australian record for the highest trick shot with a basketball hoop.”

Last week Hudson got a welcome boost with a video message from his idol Thunder Law, a record-breaking machine with the Harlem Globetrotters.

“I know you’re ready to conquer it, I know you’re going to do great ... good luck and enjoy the moment,” Thunder told him.

Hudson’s been training hard for several weeks, and is looking forward to the trek which he’ll undertake with the help of a walking frame and off-road wheelchair buggy. Yet, Mr Nicholas said, it’s actually taken years - and a whole lot of help - for him to get to this point.

Hudson will undertake the challenge with the help of a walking frame and off-road wheelchair buggy. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“The Cerebral Palsy Alliance helped us understand what was possible for Hudson - and has helped him achieve that,” Mr Nicholas said.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but for children with different barriers I’d say it takes a whole city - and we are so thankful to the Alliance and all the doctors and therapists who’ve been an important part of his story.”

Thanks to his sponsor Multiplex, Hudson’s team is the top fundraiser for the challenge with more than $75,000 raised so far for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s vital work to improve treatment and technology.

“Hudson is looking forward to the challenge and so are Brooklyn and I - we love taking parts in events that show the human spirit - and Hudson has got plenty of that,” Mr Nicholas said.

“For him it’s another adventure; for us it’s a chance to show him there’s no limits to what he can do.”

Visit krazykosciklimb.com.au to support Hudson and other climbers.