National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week

Bodyboarding in Dunsborough

Cycling at Lesmurdie SHS Sports Day

Horseriding near Dunsborough

Kayaking at Trigg Beach

Luther was born in England in 1993 and moved to Western Australia in mid 2005.

Luther has Cerebral Palsy, the effect of this is that he cannot walk and he is considerably challenged in his physical movements and co-ordination skills.  He also has a congenital nystagmus which significantly limits his field of vision. 

Since Luther was a little boy he has always had what I would call the ‘X factor’, that something extra special that helps him to create possibilities and achieve his goals which would confront any able bodied boy.  A motivated individual who presents with a cheeky smile, deep connective eyes, and a wit that goes before him.  It is refreshing and heart warming to be involved with him, like being touched by a magical wand.

It has been said that Luther is a ‘trail-blazer’, he shows no fear of wheeling himself into uncharted territory and will always ‘have a go’.  He is a great and inspiring advocate for teenagers with a disability.  Luther enjoys many activities, which are often regarded as a ‘no-no’ for kids and teenagers like him, these have included, roller skating, skate boarding (body boarding), climbing trees, bike & motor bike riding, snorkeling, swimming, surfing (with WA Disabled Surfing Group), kayaking, horse riding, abseiling (flying fox), drama & film making, public speaking (annual convention for youth clubs and youth opportunities in WA), going on camps, travelling, being an active member of a local gym (where he has been awarded ‘Member of the Month’ for his high achievements) and wheelchair sports.  General life skills include, cooking, socializing, and going to concerts, he recently went to a Pink concert with a friend and loved the opportunities and freedom teenage life is offering him.  One of Luther’s passions is quad bike riding, he has perfected many skills which include drifting and doing do-nuts, he enjoys off-road biking with his mates in the bush.

Luther attends Lesmurdie Senior High School, where he has achieved many awards and was nominated for Student of the Year in Year 10.  He also attends Thornlie TAFE (WA) 2 days a week where is extending his computer skills, maths and English.  He hooks up with other students and hopes to embark on a gym instructors course in the future.

Luther was picked as a potential paralympian by WA Wheelchair Sports at a talent spotting event 3 years ago, he now competes in discus, shot put and club (his form of javelin) representing WA in intra and inter state competitions.  He has won 5 gold medals in competitions in Sydney and WA State Events.  He has also set 10 Australian National Records, and will be competing in the inaugural Australian Youth Paralympic Games in Melbourne in October this year as part of the WA State team.

I truly regard Luther as ENABLED.

He is an advocate for all of the people in our society with the ‘X Factor’.

Regards

Lorraine Frost-Barnes

Visit youbethedifference.com.au to read stories about our other CP Week Perth-O-Nalities, and 'Make a Difference and Donate'