Men’s Shed supporting local young toddler

THE HERVEY Bay Men’s Shed is a community-based organisation that is accessible to all men in the region. Their mission is to advance the general health and wellbeing of men but they do so much more for the community.

A young local family has been a beneficiary of their generous support for their youngest child.

Emily and Aaron Chapman have three children under the age of six and are physically and mentally preparing themselves for their youngest daughter Matilda life changing operation.

Matilda, at the age of eight months, was born with a permanent hip dislocation known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Although she now has the chance to undergo surgery to address the condition, but a lengthy recovery process awaits the young her.

“She will be in a cast for three months, followed by a Rhino brace for up to 12 months”, says her mother Emily.

The local Men’s Shed were made aware of the family’s needs and in particular the need for a Spica Table – a widely used design to maintain Matilda upright supporting the hip position with a cast.

President for the Hervey Bay Men’s Shed, Leon Baldwin, says they are really pleased to be supporting the family.

“We were made aware of the family’s situation and believed we could build the table for them. We received a wonderful donation from a member of the public which made it all possible,” says Mr Baldwin.

The donation from the public was more than enough to build the table and the excess funds was used to purchase a special Maxi Guard harnessed car seat that will support Matilda while she is in a special cast and Rhino brace”.

“We are so thankful for the Hervey Bay Men’s Shed. They are making things so much better for Matilda’s road ahead and their efforts to help enhance her day to day life throughout the duration of her recovery process” says Emily.