NDIS, Peninsula Health, Leah Byrnes reaches goal of walking down aisle on wedding day
A LANGWARRIN woman born with cerebral palsy has realised a lifelong dream — walking down the aisle to her husband-to-be.
South East
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AS LEAH Byrnes walked down the aisle to her beau Martin, she was a picture of beauty and determination.
The steps were not easy — Ms Byrnes needs a walker — but after nine solid months of physio and exercises, she made it.
“It was kind of surreal, like it was happening to somebody else,” she said.
“I kept thinking all I need to do is get to Martin.”
The Langwarrin woman was born with cerebral palsy and has become increasingly wheelchair-bound as her muscles deteriorated, particularly since the birth of daughters Violet and Hazel.
But when it came to her recent wedding, Ms Byrnes was adamant she be able to walk to Martin.
Thanks to help from Peninsula Health staff, she began a gruelling exercise regimen including ‘laps’ along her hallway at home.
“They came to my house and helped with strengthening exercises,” she said.
Ms Byrnes said she had wanted to do what others took for granted — simply standing tall on her wedding day.
“It was a good message to send my girls that no matter how hard, if you want it you can get there,” she said.
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“To some it may seem a small thing, but to me it was important. It was just something I wanted to do — the moment every bride thinks of, walking down the aisle.”
Ms Byrnes said she had been rapt with ongoing support from Peninsula Health, particularly as she transitioned to the NDIS.
“Without their help, it would have been very difficult to deal with,” she said.
Peninsula Health’s Belinda Berry said the community health team was dedicated to supporting local people like Ms Byrnes achieve their goals.
Details: peninsulahealth-ndis.org.au
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