Liverpool Council builds new footpath for Raish family in Wattle Grove

For some, a new footpath would barely raise an eyebrow. For five-year-old Leah Raish, it is a life changing addition. Find out how a simple change has brightened this young girl’s life.

Leah Raish using the new pavement outside her home built by Liverpool Council. Picture: Supplied.

For some, a new footpath would barely raise an eyebrow. For Wattle Grove five-year-old Leah Raish, it is a life changing addition.

Leah at the age of two and a half, has lived with an undiagnosed muscular condition which makes her fatigue easily and prone to falls, and now uses a wheelchair.

Like many kids, the five-year-old loves Paw Patrol and Frozen – and visits to nearby Orara Park with her siblings Isaiah, Nathaniel and Anastasia.

However, the “hazardous” ground on the nature’s strip – including trees and large roots” – meant the safest option to get to the park was travelling on the road, something Leah’s father Joe Raish wasn’t thrilled about.

He said Leah had begun using a powered wheelchair before starting kindergarten next year and said it was “concerning” when his daughter had to ride her wheelchair on the road.

Leah Raish using the new pavement built outside her home in Wattle Grove. Picture: Supplied.

Leah Raish at Orara park in Wattle Grove.

“We knew she’d want to get to the park by herself but the previous path made it difficult and we wanted to make sure she was safe to get to the park with her brothers,” he said.

Mr Raish lodged a request with Liverpool Council in July for a footpath and, after meeting mayor Ned Mannoun at a council event, the plea was fast tracked.

Leah Raish and the construction crew after the pavement was built. Picture: Supplied.

“The council team realised this was an important situation and they were able to fast track it to make sure Leah had safe access to the community,” he said.

Two months later a 90m footpath was built, a piece of community infrastructure which Mr Raish says has “changed my daughter’s life”.

“She was quite a shy girl before the powered wheelchair and very reserved because she couldn’t get involved in the park as I’d have to lift her,” he said.

“But now she can ride around the park with her brothers and now the journey on the path is enjoyable for her.”

The moment the concrete dried, Mr Raish said his daughter “zoomed down and back up” the footpath.

“Now every time we come back from the park she asks if she can go around the bend as a little bit of extra independence and confidence. It’s been such a good journey and experience.”