Stanford Merthyr Infants School holds superhero day to raise funds for special bike for Daytona Sharp

The small school held a superhero-themed fundraiser on Friday to help buy a special three-wheeled bicycle for kindergarten student Daytona Sharp, who was born with an upper limb deficiency.

Students and staff dressed as superheroes for the fun day, and were entertained by legendary Hunter magician Super Hubert.

Students were also able to feed and pat ponies owned by Daytona and her twin sister, Shelbi.

Daytona is the only child in this area of the Hunter Valley contending with this congenital disorder.

It resulted from the amniotic band wrapping around her arm and tightening during pregnancy – a problem only noticed at her 32-week birth because the doctors were so focused on keeping both twins alive. 

Weighing just 1140 and 1500 grams (respectively) at birth, Daytona and Shelbi spent eight weeks in hospital before coming home.

The three-wheeled bike will be modified to address Daytona’s needs, with large wheels to assist with balance, a handle bar looped to the left to support her limb difference and the brake adjusted to the left side to relieve hand cramps.

The school was well on track to reach its target of $2500 on Friday, thanks to a $500 donation from the Lions Club of Kurri Kurri, and many other generous contributions from families within the school community.

A pizza day earlier in the term raised $244.

“Our students, staff and parents all enthusiastically support this great venture,” school principal Anne Carr said.

“It’s a really great lesson that supports our school value of helping others.

“They want to do their bit to achieve our goal of buying the bike and having it modified to suit Daytona’s needs.”

The twins’ parents, Hailey and Dave, along with other volunteers, cooked the barbecue lunch for everyone participating in the fun day, and were extremely grateful for the school’s support.

“It’s a very special day,” Mrs Sharp said.