Canberra Physiotherapist Harjodh Singh Runs Marathon for Nephew's Robotic Walker
Despite having completed several marathons and ultra runs, Harjodh Singh does not identify as a traditional runner. Instead, a deeply personal mission drives his rigorous training for the upcoming Canberra Marathon in April. Mr Singh's nephew, Manvir Gujral, lives with severe cerebral palsy and requires assistance or mobility aids to walk. The primary goal of his marathon effort is to raise funds for a Trexo robotic walker, a device that could significantly enhance Manvir's mobility and benefit other children in Canberra facing similar challenges.
Inspired by Family to Pursue a Career in Physiotherapy
Mr Singh was in year 12 when Manvir was born, a pivotal time as he contemplated his future career path. Witnessing his nephew's condition inspired him to pursue physical therapy, leading him to become a paediatric physiotherapist. Today, he owns Head to Toe therapies in Tuggeranong, where he is dedicated to advancing children's physiotherapy services in the Canberra region. His experience with Manvir has underscored the importance of lifelong body maintenance for clients, revealing substantial gains when consistent care is provided over time.
As Manvir has grown older, assisting him with standing or moving has become increasingly difficult. "He's unable to push through his legs, you need three or four bodies to try and get him up," Mr Singh explained. While standing frames offer some support, they are static and limit freedom of movement, highlighting the need for more dynamic solutions like the Trexo robotic walker.
Fundraising for Lifelong Improvements and Community Impact
Much of the physiotherapy work for children with severe disabilities focuses on early intervention, but Mr Singh is committed to making incremental improvements to Manvir's quality of life throughout his entire lifespan. "I don't want him to be forgotten and I don't want other kids to be forgotten," he emphasized. To this end, Manvir and six other children recently had the opportunity to trial the robotic walker, an experience that was both emotional and transformative. "They were all just lively, they were loving it, they were eye level with us. It was fantastic, we all got a bit emotional," Mr Singh recalled.
The Trexo robot is designed to track how much the user initiates steps, allowing physiotherapists to gradually reduce the device's assistance as clients gain strength. Regular use can lead to improvements in muscle strength and other health factors, including skin health. During the marathon, Mr Singh will be pushing Manvir in a specialized setup, and they have been preparing by curating a playlist that includes favorites like The Macarena, Avicii, Bruno Mars, and Cocomelon to keep spirits high.
Event Details and Broader Implications
The pair will participate in The Canberra Times' Canberra Marathon on April 12, using the event as a platform to raise awareness and funds for the robotic walker. This initiative not only supports Manvir but also aims to provide similar devices for other children in the community, promoting greater independence and mobility. Mr Singh's journey from inspired relative to dedicated professional underscores the powerful impact of personal connections in driving community-focused healthcare advancements.
