Stories & Achievements: Dayne’s Story

Dayne’s story: my journey with Headstart

Hi, my name is Dayne and this is my journey with Headstart.

At age 16 I started having seizures. By the age of 25 I was having over 80 seizures a day and was house bound even if I got out of bed. I had lost all my confidence and only left my house with a family member because I did not trust anyone else to help look after me.

In January 2008 I had a major operation. A Hemispherectomy removal of the right side of my brain. The operation was a success but I was in rehab for the next year as the operation had left me paralysed down my entire left side.

While at rehab my social worker suggested Headstart which was the best thing I could have done.

Headstart taught me how to socialise with people and got me back out into the community. I joined Headstart’s singing group which was lots of fun but also taught me to speak clearly.

I joined the karate group which helped with my core strength and I can now walk and stand up straight. My support buddy through Headstart supports me to go to the gym every Friday. This activity keeps me fit and strong.

My proudest achievement is being selected into the Hunter Academy of Sport for Archery. I truly love this sport and it was Headstart that introduced me to it through a social activity. I may shoot from my wheelchair but I compete against able bodied people. I have been doing Archery seriously now for 7 years and hope to try out for the Para Olympics.

Headstart has given me the confidence to go out by myself or with friends, talk to people, make new friends and help make my sporting dreams come true. 

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