Nor'West News: October 29, 2020

NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Thursday October 29 2020 3
Desperate push to get Dekken pedalling
• By Bea Gooding
FOR MANY children, learning
to ride a bike is seen as a luxury,
but for six-year-old Dekken
McClintock, it’s a matter of
necessity.
Born with Prader-Willi
syndrome which causes weak
muscles, obsessive eating, and
slow development, the rare genetic
disorder has led to further
complications. Over a period of
time spinal deterioration has led
to him developing scoliosis.
His mother, Rachelle Mitchell,
is now on a desperate mission to
raise $10,000 towards the cost of
a specialised trike in order for
her son to build muscle strength
before it is too late.
The revolution
in heat pumps
is here now!
She said because he was
diagnosed early, there was still
time for him to gain strength
before running the risk of being
wheelchair-bound and undergoing
further operations later in
life.
“Because he has a really low
muscle tone, he can’t sit on a
normal bike and balance as he
The revolution in heat pumps is here now!
Say hello to Fujitsu’s latest lifestyle range
HEAT PUMPS FROM $1999 inc GST INSTALLED!
The Fujitsu e3series
The brilliant
heat pumps from Fujitsu
e1 : efficiency
e2 : environment
e3 : economy
2020
doesn’t have the core strength,”
said Mitchell.
“In my eyes, the trike isn’t a
luxury item, it’s a necessity. We
don’t have the luxury of being
able to go to The Warehouse or
Kmart to buy a $100 bike.”
The specialised trike by Trikes
NZ designed for disabled riders
has an upright seat with a back,
Conditions apply
JOIN US NOW!
STRENGTH:
Dekken
McClintock,
6, needs a
specialised
trike for
disabled riders
in order to
stop further
deterioration
in his spine
caused by
Prader-Willi
Syndrome.
PHOTO:
GEOFF SLOAN
a harness and pedals at the front
rather than the sides.
Dekken would be able to use
the trike into adulthood because
the base had the ability to extend
as he got older, with the possibility
of converting it to electric in
the future.
“His legs will be outstretched,
and there’s something special on
See website for details
the pedal that means he doesn’t
need to have power behind the
push as long as he can move
them. It doesn’t matter if he can’t
push strong,” she said.
“It will stop the scoliosis from
getting worse as he will get a
healthy blood flow through his
body and it will increase his cardio,
strengthening core muscles.
“If it gets worse he’ll end up
really hunched over making it
more difficult to walk than what
it already is.”
Dekken was born prematurely
at 34 weeks weighing only
1500gm after six weeks in neonatal
care.
He has had seven operations
since then, including a double
hip and femur surgery, and five
surgeries to rectify obstructive
sleep apnoea – a condition which
can cause breathing to stop during
sleep.
Said Mitchell: “He gets tired
really easily and struggles to
keep up with other kids his age.
Because he can’t regulate his
emotions, he gets frustrated at
not being able to do things like
everyone else.”
•Donations towards
Dekken’s cause can be
made at https://givealittle.
co.nz/cause/trike-needed
STYLES MAY DIFFER TO IMAGE SHOWN
Website: www.pshc.co.nz
Finance available
Heat Pumps
NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE AIR ®
Fujitsu’s Catechin Filters are
approved by the Asthma and
Respiratory Foundation NZ’s
Sensitive Choice ® programme.
FREE consultation from your local
Accredited Heat Pump Expert
Phone today: 03 381 6950
INSERT DEALER DETAILS HERE
FG1441
Email: info@pshc.co.nz
UNDER ARMOUR
Mix and Match Tees.
2 for $60. 3 for $80. 4 for $100.
T&Cs apply. Ends 1 Nov
ADIDAS
Buy 3 items get 50% off.
29 Oct to 1 Nov only.
Exclusions apply.
Must include 1 item of footwear.
SKECHERS
Up to 50% off selected styles.
BENDON
The Next Level Sale.
Bras from $10, Briefs from $5,
sleepwear from $20.
T&Cs apply. While stocks last
JUST BAGZ
Up to 50% off RRP
Sign up to Smart Deals & be in the monthly draw for a $100 Dress-Smart gift card!
Open 10am-5pm, 7 Days 03 349 5750
CHRISTCHURCH 409 Main South Road, Hornby
www.dress-smart.co.nz