Bailey and his mother Anne teamed up with Cerebral Palsy Alliance physiotherapist Anna te Velde earlier this year to apply for a walker.

Ms te Velde said Bailey trialled three different walkers in April at Tamworth and found the buddy roamer was best-suited for him.

“The walker is his first chance to have his freedom. He is able to independently move around, which is not only a great thing for Bailey to have mentally, but also physically,” she said.

During the application process, Ms te Velde applied for three walkers, Bailey’s included, and all of them eventually were approved and funded by the Lions Club.

“The applications are made to the mobility foundation and then the local clubs within the area of those who applied are contacted.

“The local clubs within the district work together to fund each mobility walker that is donated,” she said.

Moree Lion Barrie Brooks visited Bailey on Tuesday morning to see him test out his new walker before school.

Mr Brooks said it was an emotional sight that made him proud to be a Lion.

“This is the first time I’ve seen one of these being donated by the Lions Club and it’s such a great sight. I’ve heard of the walkers before but didn’t know just how good they were,” he said.

As Bailey builds his muscles and gets used to the buddy roamer, Mrs Conroy said it was not unlikely to hear him yelling “mum, mum, mum”. 

“That’s when I know he is stuck… So I go and help him out. It’s great, he flies up and down the halls. 

“It’s too hot now, but we are hoping, when it cools down a bit to take him and the kids for afternoon walks along the footpath,” Mrs Conroy said.

Ms te Velde said children with cerebral palsy usually had a lot of equipment needs that could be costly.

“We know we can always rely on the Lions Club Mobility Foundation when it comes to walkers.

“They are always so generous and we cannot thank them enough for the help they’ve given to so many,” she said.

Mrs Conroy said the whole family were grateful and thanked the Lions Club.

“As soon as he is in his walker, his whole demeanour changes; he brightens up and is so inquisitive. 

“He is able to interact and play with his siblings, and it’s the little things he can do now that means so much,” she said.