Young Will Kemp and Harry Clist haven’t had life easy.

They are young people whose parents are giving them every chance in life despite their disabilities.

Recognising this, the King Cain Bathurst Wallabies Tri Club has nominated young Will and Harry as their chosen recipients for a fundraising mission as part of the wider John Maclean Foundation.

Wallabies competing at Ironman Western Australia at Busselton in December, the NSW Long Course Championships at Huskisson in March and Ironman Australia at Port Macquarie in May are aiming to raise $10,000 for each of the boys.

They are calling their campaign Wallabies for Wheelies and, according to Ryan Sargent, there is no better motivation than being involved with the John Maclean Foundation.

“John was a promising 22-year-old footballer who became wheelchair bound after being hit by a truck while riding a bicycle near Penrith,” Mr Sargent said.

“He’s living proof that you can overcome adversity, and became the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon and swim the English Channel, as well as representing Australia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and sailing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.”

Ryan said the John Maclean Foundation was set up to help change the lives of young Australians who use wheelchairs.

“The Foundation provides financial assistance to purchase items such as new wheelchairs, vehicle and house modifications, surgery and medical assistance, computers, remedial aids or any item that improves the quality of life for the child and their family,” he said.

According to Harry’s mum Sue, the family is moved to think the local triathlon club would want to help.

“I cried when we were told the club had nominated our son as a John Maclean Foundation beneficiary,” she said. “There’s so many other kids out there who are just as deserving.

“The thing is Harry doesn’t know any different and we don’t treat him any different than a normal child. He goes to school at St Phill’s and he just loves school.”

Sue said they still don’t really know why Harry is the way he is.

“His right leg went to just below the knee and his left leg just above the ankle. He has no feet and his left arm is just to the elbow and he’s really proud of his artificial legs, complete with their flame prints,” she said.

“He really loves his sport and has just been surfing for the first time, thanks to the Disabled Surfers’ Association of Australia. He also likes playing soccer, riding his scooter, swimming and jumping on his push bike.

“But what we’re really proud of is the fact Harry just competed in a school sport running marathon and he covered five kilometres, so he might even become an Ironman too one day like those boys from the Wallabies.”

Janelle Kemp said Will was born in 2000.

“When he was born we thought that we had a normal healthy baby, but as the months progressed we realised that something was wrong as Will did not reach any of his milestones,” she said.

“As time progressed we had many visits to paediatricians and specialists and the nature of Will’s disability came to light. However, Will still has not been formally diagnosed with any condition, despite countless tests.

“We do know that he has a severe global delay, epilepsy and scoliosis and is unable to walk. He gets around in a custom-made wheelchair with a specialised moulded back which needs to be updated every three to six months.”

Janelle said Will, who attends Carenne School, does not have any speech, but is very much interested in everything that goes on around him.

“Will is part of a large family who all give him lots of love, attention and support. He’s a very social boy who loves to have a laugh. He also likes to get out and about with us in the community,” she said.

“We were surprised and overwhelmed when we found Will had been nominated for assistance through the John Maclean Foundation, as he is one of many children with special needs that would also be worthy recipients for this funding. We would like to thank the Bathurst Triathletes for their amazing support.”

To help the Wallabies reach their goals go to http://www.ironmancharitychallenge.com.au/wallabies_4_wheelies

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THE JOHN MACLEAN FAMILY taking on the Wallabies 4 Wheelies includes local triathletes: Blair Watson, Campbell Graham, Richard Hobson, Mark Booth, Jody Parker, Howard Yen, Brian Wood, Terry Roberts, Blair Hurst, Martin Barnes, Ryan Sargent, Geoff Hassan, Nick Lander, Mick Stapley.