Eleven-year-old’s journey from walking frame to parkrun Camden

From relearning how to walk after spending a month in a hospital bed, Spring Farm 11-year-old Brad Hixon is conquering goals with parkrun Camden.

An introduction to parkrun Camden has seen Brad Hixon cap off a year-long journey from relearning how to walk at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead to taking on the upcoming City2Surf. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

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Nearly 18 months ago, sports-mad 11-year-old Brad Hixon was strapped to a hospital bed at The Childrens Hospital at Westmead.

The active Spring Farm boy had four weeks earlier come off second-best in a tackle during his fifth game of rugby league and had unbearable pain to his hip.

Brad Hixon, 11, jogging with his big brother Ben, nearly 18 months after sustaining a serious injury in his first season of rugby league. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

With X-rays and an ultrasound unable to identify the problem, Brad toiled on before ultimately learning he had dislocated, fractured and relocated his hip.

Rushed to hospital, the Year 5 student was bed-bound for six weeks with his legs braced before he learned to walk again using an “old-person” walking frame.

Brad was bed-bound for six weeks after discovering he had dislocated, fractured and relocated his hip. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Twelve months on, the determined 11-year-old was introduced to Parkrun Camden by his Ruse Public School principal and he hasn’t looked back.

Once given the clear to run, Brad has been a fixture of the weekly 5km run and powers through his personal bests one week at a time.

The 11-year-old had to relearn how to walk using a walking frame up and down the hospital corridors. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

After completing his first attempt in 28 minutes, Brad said he just wanted to keep coming back.

“I tried it out and I thought it was real fun,” he said. “I just wanted to keep doing it.”

Big brother Ben said the whole family is beyond proud with Brad’s determination and positive attitude. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

The schoolboy recently chalked up his 10th parkrun and takes part each week alongside his older brother Ben who said it’s hard to describe the character of his brother.

“It’s hard to put into words how proud we are,” he said. “The amount of strength he has shown to push through it all is incredible.”

Brad, and big brother Ben, saved a special mention for the welcoming and supportive nature of parkrun Camden participants.

“It’s a lot of fun with so many nice people and so much support from everyone,” Ben said.

“It’s a friendly little challenge every week to push yourself a little further and it has also helped Brad get stronger as he tries to beat his time.”

Brad, who has been nominated for the Local Sports Star Inspiration award for his dedication and courage, is planning to complete the 14km City2Surf next month.