School helps young boy through Skate for Nate fundraiser

KELLIE Fearnall describes her son Nate as a fighter.

The young Bateman boy (3) has endured four in-utero surgeries, spent his first nine months of life in hospital, had multiple surgeries to his brain and vessels around his heart, multiple strokes and also has Cerebral Palsy, which impacts his limbs.

Nate requires physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy along with intensive therapies as he looks to improve his motor oral skills.

Reverse vending machine launches in Bull Creek

A splash of colour at Heathcote

Public invited to dementia talk at hospital

Mrs Fearnall said Nate was a outgoing and sociable kid who tended to draw people in.

“They said he’d never walk or talk but he has taken a few independent steps so our aim is to get him completely walking on his own,” she said.

“He’s a real fighter, he is very determined, he wasn’t meant to still be alive but he’s very brave and a go-getter.”

As a way of giving back the Parents and Citizens Association at Bateman Primary School, where Nate’s sisters Indy and Milla attend, have organised the Skate for Nate event at the Cockburn Ice Arena on August 3 from 5pm to 7pm.

Money raised will go towards paying for Nate’s therapy.

Co-organiser Nadia Kidgell said after the school came up with the idea of giving back to the community through a fundraiser, the Fearnall family was their first choice.

“We are encouraging not just Bateman people to come but the community and networks, so we are trying to reach far and wide,” she said.

Mrs Fearnall said the school had always been supportive and she was happy that they were behind the family.

“I’ll probably cry (on the night) and all the kids will love it, the fact he’s allowed to go on the ice, it will be a really good atmosphere,” she said.

Tickets are $21 and are available from Cockburn Ice Arena.

People can follow Nate on his Facebook page.