By XAVIER SMERDON
WHEN Hoppers Crossing resident Les Porter was hit by a car as he crossed a road in 1987, he thought he would never walk again.
Not only is the inspirational father of two walking, but he has raised more than $50,000 for charity simply by riding his tricycle.
Mr Porter first discovered the giant tricycle when Salvation Army officers visited him in hospital and he started to use it as a rehabilitation tool.
“Later on I was using a tricycle as part of my rehab and the thought came to me that maybe I could use this to support the Salvos,” Mr Porter said.
The accident left Mr Porter with a brain injury, which wiped out about two-and-a-half months of his memory and left him with limited mobility in his left arm and leg.
It also left him unable to control his balance completely, meaning the tricycle was the perfect exercise tool for him because of its stability.
In 2010 Mr Porter started Wyndham 1000, in which he rides 1000 kilometres around Wyndham on his tricycle to raise money for the Salvation Army.
In the event’s first year he raised $6,000 and this year he has already notched up over $15,000.
He said he hoped his experience could inspire other people to see past their obstacles.
“One thing I’ve definitely learned is that my wellbeing is up to me, it’s not up to anyone else,” he said.
“A lot of getting better has got to do with your outlook. I call it PMA; Positive Mental Attitude.”
Late last month Mr Porter received a Community Hero Award on behalf of disability, education and senior services provider Villa Maria and radio station 3AW.
As part of his prize he received $1000 which he said would help him bay some bills.
For more information about Wyndham 1000 visit www.wyndham1000.wordpress.com
