MADDISON Parker continues to astound the community.
The brave 10-year-old, who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and copes with severe pain every day, donned her swimsuit last week and took to the water to raise money for disadvantaged members of the community.
Maddy took part in the YMCA Swimathon 2013 and swam 200 metres in a bid to raise thousands of dollars for the organisation.
Even her mother, Kathy, was amazed by her daughter’s courage.
“When doesn’t she surprise us?” Kathy said.
On her fundraising page, Maddy said it is “important to help people when you can”.
“I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome, which is a rare disability and I can’t do many sports but I can swim. So this is my way of helping other people,” the Caroline Springs resident said.
“I have had help from people many times so now is my chance to help someone else.”
In the lead up to the big swim, Maddy told Star she had been training at the YMCA in Derrimut every second day and was looking forward to the event.
For the young warrior the water is the best place to be.
“I’m pain free in the water. If I could stay in the water all day, I would.”
Maddison was one of the top fundraisers and had already clocked up close to $2000 three days before the event.
