Woolworths teams and customers will be helping St.Giles at the checkout in the lead up to Easter.

St.Giles director of Allied Health Trent McHugh said the funds raised by all 32 Woolworths stores would go directly to demonstration equipment state-wide.

“The donation will be put to work purchasing top quality devices and equipment to help families make the best choice for their child,’’ Mr McHugh said.

Woolworths teams want to help as many Tasmanian children as possible.

“Many of our Woolworths team members and customers have a St.Giles story to tell. They want to help as many children as they can with quality equipment and fabulous opportunities,’’ Mr Polden said.

“We know that families face many obstacles and this is a great way for our teams to help.’’

The face of the appeal will be Launceston’s Joe Murray.

Joe has used St.Giles services since birth for a range of complex impairments including speech and occupational therapy.

Joe attends St. Patrick’s College and is in grade 12.

He spent the first three months of his life in plaster and while doctors said he would never walk the dedication of his family, surgeons in Melbourne and St.Giles teams proved them wrong.

“I don’t remember too much from when I was a kid, but I remember spending most of my time at home, sitting on the couch watching TV. I couldn’t do much. I remember having people monitor me in the playgrounds at school. I had a helmet, so I didn’t crack my head open.

“I had difficulty walking as a little kid and I had a splint on my left hand for a bit.’’

At  age 15-months, surgery in Melbourne changed the course of Joe’s mobility.

Joe’s mother Meegan said the surgery was complex.

“He had bilateral hip dysplasia. So, we needed an open hip reduction. She referred us to a paediatrician who did some tests and then we got referred to a surgeon at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

“The Melbourne surgeon just looked at Joe and said, ‘Why wouldn’t I do an operation?’ Four or five weeks later we were at the Children’s Hospital.’’

By the age of two, Joe was walking …  on a little walking frame.

Woolworths Easter Appeal will purchase demonstration devices, like the tiny toddler walking frame Joe required.

How you can help:

Simply purchase a $2 token at any of Woolworths Tasmanian stores, or round up your purchase when using the self-checkout. Every donation matters.