Luke Waller (centre) with Kaylan Da Sila, Jake Waller, Amy Waller, Zane Minotti and Konrad Rucki.
Camera IconLuke Waller (centre) with Kaylan Da Sila, Jake Waller, Amy Waller, Zane Minotti and Konrad Rucki. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d451613

Bateman teen Luke keeps his cool

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanMelville Gazette

Februdarey involves people taking on dares during February to raise funds.

While the prospect of a daily ice bath in the middle of summer was far from daunting, it was much more challenging for Luke whose cerebral palsy forced him to hoist the bucket with just one hand.

“Some may think it’s an easy and fun challenge to do in summer but it’s not easy for me to lift a bucket full of ice water,” he said.

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“Plus the coldness of the water affects the muscles in my cerebral palsy arm, which makes it really uncomfortable.”

The 13-year-old filmed each icy shower and uploaded it to YouTube, along the way enlisting friends and family to take up the challenge as well.

Although Luke’s condition makes it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks such as buttoning up a shirt, he is an avid sportsman who enjoys soccer, karate and parkour.

“It’s hard; there are times when I wish my hand and leg were normal but that isn’t about to change,” he said.

The Corpus Christi College student first began fundraising three years ago after seeing Februdarey advertised on television.

“I asked my mum if I could do something to help little kids with cerebral palsy like me,” Luke said.

“Some kids have really bad cerebral palsy so it’s harder for them to do things and I know how hard it can be, so I just wanted to help those worse off.”

Luke has already committed to continuing to fundraise next year and is thinking of a fresh challenge.