Tassie for Tyler  

9 March 2010

Two of Victoria’s finest men in blue are preparing to take on Bass Straight in a Kayak. Using only paddle power they hope to paddle the 330km to reach the Apple Isle within a couple of weeks.

While James Jenkinson and Steve Wigg love a challenge, the major reason for the venture is to raise funds in honour of a special little boy who has faced many challenges in his time. Tyler Parfuss is a three year old who was born with Cerebral Palsy. CP affects one Australian child every 18 hours and is the most common physical childhood disability.

CP effects Tyler’s physical ability and he was given little chance of walking unaided. Tyler has been lucky enough to attend a very special place called the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) and in a 12 month period has gone from a “bottom shuffler” to an independent walker. Steve and James have witnessed Tyler’s dramatic transformation and challenges along the way and want to honour Tyler and all the other Tyler’s out there.

Their ultimate goal is to raise vital funds for CPEC the only education centre in Australia dedicated solely to babies and children with CP as well as to raise awareness of CP in the community. They set off on Monday 22 March, rain hail or shine, from Wilson Promontory.

James and Steve are no strangers to challenges they have both conquered the Kokoda trail carrying their own backpacks, shirking the use of the local porters, competed in the Murray Marathon and both are accomplished scuba divers. The boys have been training for this event for the past 12 months and know their bodies are in shape for the Bass Strait challenge ahead.

Both men will be in attendance, along with young Tyler and his family at the official launch of the event at Waterfront City Marina, beside the Piazza, at Docklands, on Wednesday 17 March at 10.30am.

Of course the boys will have plenty of support from many of their friends in the Victorian Police Force and they're looking for support from within the general community. Get along to the launch if you have the opportunity and help support a worthwhile event.

For more details or to keep track of the adventure visit www.everydayhero.com.au/tassie_for_tyler the site will be updated daily during the event.

Pictured; James, Tyler and Steve

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