Holistic Horizon’s Nathan McDowell is a familiar figure around Redcliffe and the Sunshine Coast as he zips past in his hand cycle, but it is the story behind this man’s strength which makes his story even more powerful, as MARINA REYNOLDS discovered.

“WHEELS ARE MY LIFE AND WHEELS GIVE ME FREEDOM”.

That’s Nathan’s mantra as he continues training for one of the most important fundraising and awareness rides on his hand cycle so far.

Close on the heels of a ride from Noosa to Redcliffe last year, Nathan is about to embark on his biggest test to date – a ride from Kingaroy to Redcliffe over several days in June in his hand cycle!

He is putting all his energy into this new venture with his cycling partner and support worker Matt Bell, to not only raise money but awareness of his extremely rare illness.

As well as pushing himself to his limits, the keen cyclist has already kicked major life goals.

Nathan turned 32 late last year and is a valued, long-term participant at Holistic Horizons Support Services, based in Margate, outside Brisbane.

He has Cerebral Palsy and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, an inherited condition that reduces neurological function involving the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) that primarily affects males.

He is also one of the oldest living persons with this disease.

There are as few as 20 people in the world at any given time with this disease. In fact – very little is known about it and less than a handful of medical experts in Australia have even heard of it.

Nathan started walking late in his development, which only lasted a few years until he was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life as the Cerebral Palsy took hold.

He lives with constant abdominal pain due to a slow functioning digestive system, and as I was talking to his parents for this story, they were about to head to hospital with Nathan for a medical procedure.

He was to undertake his big ride in April but this procedure now means more recuperation and training time is needed so the new June date was set.

As well as his own health, Nathan also has had to cope with his Dad Gavin’s cancer diagnosis and residual health issues and his sister’s cancer diagnosis. His stepmother Robin May Tayler is also battling her own health issues.

When I asked how the family kept going in light of their health issues, caring for Nathan and undergoing current home renovations, Robin said it was simply a matter of just having to keep going.

“We look after one another, with the support of Holistic Horizons,” she said.

It is clear, when talking to Gavin – who is currently cancer free – and Robin, that they couldn’t give the support they do to Nathan without the love and support from NDIS-registered provider Holistic Horizons.

That’s right – love.

“Oh, we love them (Holistic Horizons). They are like our family – ARE our family – and we adore them,” Robin said.

Gavin is overflowing with his gratitude and love of the team at Holistic Horizons, particularly director and founder Drew Cason who he describes as a brother to himself, and a second Dad to Nathan.

They say they owe their survival to the ongoing support from Holistic Horizons, particular when it comes to Nathan’s hand cycle ventures.

“Holistic Horizons staff and clients get behind Nathan at every opportunity,” Gavin said.

“At every ride we see them all there, lining the road.”

Nathan has had a lifelong goal to ride a long distance on his hand cycle and as he gets closer to his RIDE FOR NATHAN he is looking for support from the public and any businesses who can help him along – by sponsorship or donations.

“I want to raise all the money I can and donate it for research to find a cure for the disease,” Nathan said.

“I want to raise more awareness for my disease.”

“I want to inspire people to never give up, no matter what challenges are thrown at them in life.”

Robin tells us there’s more to this ride than fundraising and awareness – it is hoped Nathan will do this ride annually, while he is healthy enough, and afterwards it will be his legacy where his family and friends will do the ride in his memory, to continue to raise research funds and awareness.

“There’s absolutely no research in Australia for Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, and it is hard to get diagnosed in Australia,” Gavin said.

Nathan was diagnosed aged 15 but until then the disease was unheard of in Australian medical circles, which is why it is so important to Nathan to raise awareness and help fund vital research.

Despite his health hurdles, Nathan is the most charismatic, conversational and friendly person you’d ever meet, Robin said.

And browsing his Facebook page, the cheeky, personable side of this athlete is very quickly established!

Holistic Horizons director Drew Cason has known Nathan for eight years and said he is always charming anybody and everybody with his questions of life and a desire to get to know you.

Drew lives to make life better for Holistic Horizons clients like Nathan, and strives to change the lives of all participants.

Holistic Horizons has almost 200 participants and 200 staff and Drew says it is ever evolving, going from strength to strength.

“It’s all about the amazing people who work for me, who are committed to what we are doing and pushing for positive change,” Drew said.

“We are passionate – participants come us because we are family. “

“We create a family atmosphere for everyone and hold regular barbecues and karaoke nights and invite everyone, whether you are with us or not.”

“We are all about community.”

Nathan had a life-long goal to ride a long distance on his hand cycle and has found, the hand cycle gives him freedom, under the guidance of trusty coach/training buddy Matt.

At Nathan’s last Cerebral Palsy ride, he hand cycled 120km and raised $1010 for kids with Cerebral Palsy.

Nathan thanks all of his supporters and sponsors, and also his family and friends at Holistic Horizons for all that they do for him.

“I thank you all so much for anyone who supports me in this exciting journey bringing my wishes true by achieving this big ride,” Nathan said.

Help him raise as much as possible to achieve his goals and dreams from his ride on his Go Fund Me page https://gf.me/u/yz2mbi.

Any businesses wanting to sponsor his ride or pay for a sponsorship spot on the bike, or individuals wanting to donate can contact the Holistic Horizons social media/communications officer Julie Latcham on 0421 470 160 or email julie@holistichorizons.com.au

Developing Australian Communities is with you all the way Nathan, and we will be watching your progress as you smash your goals with your determination and great humour!

Holistic Horizons is the major naming sponsor of the Brisbane Disability Connection Expo 2022 on 29th and 30th of April as well as the 2022 Brisbane Disability Staff Recognition Awards also next month.