But she’s not letting that stop her from becoming a young leader in the Parkes community after she was named the official ambassador of the 2017 For Fitness Sake challenge.

And she’s hoping a record number of locals will sign up for this year’s event, which runs from March 1 to 10.

Under the rules of the challenge, participants attempt to reach a target to move either 50 or 100 kilometres in 10 days, by running, walking, swimming, or cycling.

Funds raised will support Melinda and other children who have a disability, through House with No Steps’ early childhood intervention services.

Melinda is especially delighted her mother Amanda was one of the first to sign up to this year’s challenge.

“If it wasn’t for the support of House with No Steps there is no way Melinda would be able to do ballet, or even stand, talk or feed herself,” Amanda said.

“Melinda has been given so many more opportunities in life and I am so thankful that my little girl can get access to the support she needs to reach her full potential.

“Thank you to everyone who is taking part in For Fitness Sake to support the House with No Steps early intervention services to help kids like my Melinda...you are changing lives.”

Melinda was just three months old when she was diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome, a rare brain development disorder, which affects her balance, coordination and speech.

At the time, she had no head control, poor motor skills, and she showed no signs of ever being able to walk or talk.

Then Melinda came to House with No Steps’ early childhood intervention services.

After three years of physiotherapy, she was able to stand unsupported and walk a short distance with a frame.

After six years working closely with a dedicated occupational therapist, she was able to start attending school every day with her friends.

Thanks to ongoing speech therapy, she can communicate with her friends and her mum.

Perhaps the greatest milestone in Melinda’s journey came just last year, when she started weekly ballet lessons.

While Melinda may have achieved so much more than anyone thought possible just a few years ago, she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Quite the opposite – she’s already working hard to achieve her next goals.

People can register for the For Fitness Sake challenge and donate to support individuals and teams participating on the website: www.forfitnesssake.com.au 

About House with No Steps

As one of Australia’s leading disability service providers, House with No Steps is dedicated to giving people with a disability greater choice, control, and freedom – empowering them to live life on their own terms across NSW, Queensland and the ACT.

House with No Steps provides early childhood intervention services, including speech therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, at Little Learners in Forbes, and Summerland Early Childhood Intervention, in Lismore and Ballina.

These services support children from birth to eight years old, who have delayed development.