IT was a normal birthday in March for Yangebup three-year-old Billy Baxter when disaster struck.
He was in the kitchen with his mother making juice for his party later in the day when his mother turned her back for a split second – just long enough for Billy to get his hand stuck in the juicer.
Billy was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital with a large gash through the centre of his palm which had cut nerves, tendons and the blood supply to his fingers. After a long and gruelling 10-hour surgery, doctors were able to save his hand.
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READ NOWDespite the trauma, Billy was not fazed, even telling his mum not to throw out the juicer.
Billy and fellow Yangebup resident Benjamin Smith were among 10 young children who were recognised for their bravery through illness and injury at the Fremantle Docker’s annual AJ Diamond Club Bravery Awards.
Docker Sean Darcy said hearing the childrens’ stories made him realise they were a lot braver than he was.
“Seeing the kids, they’ve been through so much and yet they’re so happy and positive,” he said.
“Ten to 12-year-olds who are not hanging out with their friends, not going to school because they’re in hospital for two months, I don’t know how they do it.”
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