A local teenager has relearned to walk thanks to a local boxing gym after undergoing two reconstructive surgeries to manage a congenital disorder.
Bowen-born Hugh Hanneman’s cerebral palsy had pulled his left foot to an almost 90-degree angle to the ground before two ankle and foot reconstructions this year remedied the issue – and left him wheelchair-bound for four months.
Hugh’s mother, Sally Hanneman, said her son had to “virtually relearn to walk” after the successful surgery, which was when they turned to a local personal trainer, Wes Bau.
“Hugh has been seeing Wes for the past two years now,” Mrs. Hannaman said.
“In that time, physically, he has improved enormously, and not only that but he loves it – he’d come every day if he could. This surgery took Hugh back somewhat, but what Wes has done for him in helping him while he was in the wheelchair is astounding.”
Mr Bau, owner and trainer at Wes Bau Personal Training, said the overall journey in those two years is just as astounding as Hugh’s efforts in relearning to walk.
“Over time, with the help of the operations and what I could contribute, Hugh has gained strength in his legs,” Mr Bau said.
“That’s given him confidence; he beams in here now, he's full of humour when he walks in. It's a good feeling for me, to have helped any kid. We never had this when I was growing up here, in Bowen. There wasn't an opportunity for kids to find help through something like boxing.
“He’s never whinged, never gives in - he just gives me cheek.”
Hugh’s physical disability, cerebral palsy, pertains to movement, presenting in various symptoms, including exaggerated reflexes, floppy or rigid limbs and muscles, involuntary motions and poor coordination.
Each of these makes it difficult to pursue any kind of exercise – though not impossible. Mrs Hanneman said training with Mr Bau had been given the “green light” by doctors.
“They said to us, whatever he is doing, keep doing it,” she said.
“What he has been able to accomplish with this help is extraordinary, and what Wes helps him and other kids achieve is truly special.
"He should be an inspiration to other kids out there who haven't had to struggle as he has."
The most impressive progress Hugh has made is going from a two-kilogram dumbbell life to six – improving 300 per cent.
Hugh said, with how quickly he was advancing, he was closing in on being able to take Mr Bau on, toe-to-toe, in the ring.
“I tell him to put the gloves on every time we go in the ring,” Hugh said.
“I get him on the ropes already, so it’s not looking good for him.”
