On a trip for Tyler

By Lia Bichel
A NOBLE Park boy has inspired two police officers to kayak across one of the most dangerous stretches of water in Australia to raise awareness about cerebral palsy.
On 22 March, Victorian police Leading Senior Constables James Jenkinson and Steve Wigg will paddle 330km from Wilson’s Promontory to the Apple Isle across Bass Strait in honour of three-year-old Tyler Parfuss, who was born with cerebral palsy.
Tyler attends the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre, the only education centre in Australia dedicated to babes and children with CP.
In the last 12 months, Tyler has gone from being a “bottom shuffler” and dragging his botto on the ground to get from one place to another, to walking unaccompanied.
His father Mark said he was proud to see the two police officers challenge themselves to honour Tyler, who had faced many challenges himself.
“Words can’t describe the love I have for Tyler and how proud we are. He went from being a bottom shuffler to using an independent walker, and just before Christmas decided he didn’t need the walker,” he said.
“It’s great for people on the outside to try and raise awareness about cerebral palsy. Hopefully we can raise some money and help more kids.”
Sen Consts Jenkinson and Wigg are no strangers to physical tests, as they are both avid scuba divers and have conquered the Kokoda Track and the Murray Marathon.
They have been training for the kayak voyage for the past 12 months and are planning on taking some of their scuba equipment with them on their journey.
By completing their kayak voyage, they hoped to raise awareness about CP as well as raise funds for CPEC.
CP affects one Australian child every 18 hours and is the most common physical childhood disability.
To keep track of the duo’s journey or donate to the cause you could visit www.everydayhero.com.au/tassi_for_tyler. The site will be updated daily during the event.