AHEAD of this weekend’s Telethon event, Cooinda Primary School and local businesses have led the way in demonstrating a generous community spirit.
Cooinda is home to one of this year’s Telethon children, Patrick Majewski, who became a student at the school three years ago after a tragic accident that changed his life.
Patrick was walking along a track in the Karijini National Park in October 2011 when he fell down a gorge.
His father Chris desperately lunged to save his son’s life and was killed in the process.
Patrick, who was eight years old at the time, survived the horrific incident but broke his back in multiple places, suffered internal bleeding and a brain injury.
He was left in a wheelchair but that has not stopped him from taking on life with an energy and positive outlook which has inspired everyone around him.
After being named a Telethon child, Patrick set to work raising money for the cause through local businesses Bunbury Auto Wreckers and Best Wreck 4X4 and his school.
On Monday, coin donations were weighed at Cooinda with the aim of beating the weight of Patrick’s wheelchair, which is 14.5 kilograms.
The grand total was 94.25 kilograms and $3400 which will be added to the iconic fundraising event this weekend to improve the lives of children and young people throughout WA.
“It has been wonderful seeing the school rally around Patrick right from the start, they help him with anything he needs and let him be a kid just like everyone else,” Patrick’s mum Helen said.
Patrick starts his Telethon adventure on Thursday when he helps Sunrise presenter Edwina Bart-holomew host the weather and then it’s an action-packed weekend of interviews and on-air time.
For more information and to donate, go to telethon.7perth. com.au