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Manawatu Standard Article
Article by Janine Rankin, Manawatu Standard 28th February 2008
INDEPENDENCE TAKEN: Damian Day, who battles dyspraxia to work with horses, is currently chief minder to Tielcey Park stallion JK Latano a horse rather distracted by the mares in the lead-up to the Horse of the Year Show in Hastings next week.
Equestrian event volunteer Damian Day has defied specialist opinions that he shouldn't even be able to walk, to prove that he can not only get around on his own, but ride a horse, cycle more than 80km a day and earn his keep. But the 24-year-old's independent lifestyle took a tumble at the end of January when thieves stole the customised bike that was the key to his fitness and independence from his campsite at the Levin A and P Show. Living on an invalid's benefit and with no insurance on the $2000 bike, Mr Day was distraught. His friends in the equestrian community were outraged. He has spent most of the last eight years biking around the North Island, following horse shows, where he works as a volunteer setting up dressage areas, building show jumping courses, picking up the rails, and packing up. In return, people feed him. And now that he needs help, they've joined forces to make sure the man with dyspraxia will have his new bike, custom-made in America, by the middle of April. Cycling fitness is an ingredient in Mr Day's management of a neurological disability that limits control of his muscles and speech. The movements other people make without a thought all have to be consciously directed, step by step, to get the commands from his brain through to his body. "I have to tell my muscles what to do. To walk straight takes about 200 commands. If I close my eyes, I can't feel my body, and don't know what my arms are doing." And if he "takes flying lessons" off a horse, he might register pain, but doesn't know what part of him is hurt. While some people with dyspraxia suffer muscle atrophy through lack of use and control, Mr Day has worked and cycled to keep fit and keep moving. His heavy steel-framed bike was not only his personal gym and transport, he also carried most of his possessions with him, including his home - his tent. For the moment he has made his home at Tielcey Park just outside Palmerston North, where managing director Margo Aasen has put him to work with the horses and is organising some of the fundraising for his new bike. "We're getting support from all over," she said. "While the equestrian community is considered by some people to be so competitive, this really restores your faith in human kindness." Within two days of launching a raffle on line, supporter Jessie Montgomery had sold 165 tickets. Work and Income responded immediately to make sure he was getting everything he is entitled to. Pedal Pushers discounted the price of a new bike to keep Mr Day mobile in the meantime, complete with a heart rate monitor and bike shoes - he has to clip his feet into the pedals because he can't feel them. Another supporter is underwriting the cost of the ultimate bike - one that folds down into its own trailer. "Everyone knows Damian and the hard work he does. Damian cannot quite believe the level of support. We've been overwhelmed," Ms Aasen said. Donations to the Damian Day appeal can be made at the Bank of New Zealand, account number 02-0727-0082836-83. |
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