Freedom in motion

For Andrew West, working with Dejay means more than great equipment. It means being understood, listened to, and having true friends to run alongside him, explains Katherine Granich.

When he was 23, Andrew West experienced something he never thought possible – he ran. Not on the sidelines, not watching others, but truly running for the first time in his life, feeling the rush of speed and independence that many take for granted. For Andrew, who lives with cerebral palsy, that life-changing moment came thanks to the sport of framerunning and the team at Dejay Medical; people who are now not just equipment experts, but close friends and running buddies.

More than a client

Andrew is now 30, and he’s been part of the Dejay family for almost 15 years, first discovering their innovative Australian-made Smik wheelchairs and, later, their game-changing Petra by Connie Hansen framerunner. His story is a powerful example of what can happen when creative problem-solvers meet a young man with big dreams and a bigger heart.

“Dejay are happy to explain, customise, and even experiment with equipment that you are using,” says Andrew. “Michael and Lena came up with a solution so that I could do up my own seatbelt on my power wheelchair. Michael even custom-made a device to stop my Quokka wheelchair bag from moving and slipping off the mount. 

“They really think outside the box to make me more independent.”

With Dejay, no challenge is too strange and no request too small. The team – Leon, Lena, Ben, Tim, Michael, and more – have become trusted collaborators, always finding ways to make Andrew’s equipment fit his life, not the other way around. 

“When the Dejay team is assisting me with equipment, I can have an easy chat with them… Natural chit-chat,” Andrew shares. It’s part support crew, part friendship, and entirely life-changing.

The magic of framerunning

If there’s one piece of equipment that’s really transformed Andrew’s life, it’s his Petra by Connie Hansen framerunner. For those new to the concept, framerunning (also called racerunning) is a growing sport designed for people with mobility or balance challenges. It started back in 1991 and has grown throughout the world, becoming very popular in Australia. Using a three-wheeled, lightweight frame without traditional pedals, the runner is supported by a saddle and handlebars, propelling themselves with their feet, often for the very first time.

For Andrew, trying out a framerunner was nothing short of a revelation. “I felt that for the first time I could really run fast without worrying about falling over,” he says. 

With his framerunner, Andrew can join community fun runs, take part in events around Sydney, and show the world what’s possible when disability doesn’t mean sitting things out.

“When I go on fun runs together with the Dejay team, I don’t feel like I’m running with a “work team” – I feel like I’m running with a genuine group of people who share the same love of running as me!” 

Now Andrew isn’t just a participant; he’s become an ambassador for framerunning in Australia, inspiring other kids and young people to try the sport and experience its benefits for themselves.

Combining inclusion and innovation

Since introducing framerunning to Australia with the launch of the Petra in 2018, Dejay has played a leading role in making the sport accessible for more families. Their Frame Running Resource Centre (dejay.com.au/frame-running) offers advice, trial opportunities, and support for anyone keen to give framerunning a go. More than just a sport, framerunning is also a highly effective therapy tool, helping children through to adults build strength, coordination and confidence to move more independently. 

The Dejay team is often found at fun runs, “come and try” days, and sporting events, not just handing out equipment but cheering, coaching, and celebrating every runner’s progress. Working alongside athletes like Andrew, Dejay continues to break down barriers and open up new possibilities for kids and teens with disabilities.

A community in motion

Framerunning is not only about speed or competition. With every race, Andrew is helping to shift perceptions and show what’s possible when barriers come down. He’s found his stride on and off the track, encouraging others to have a go, reminding families that sometimes all you need is the right support and a little push to join in.

“I enjoy getting out and running in community fun runs, enjoying the vibe and showing the community what people with disabilities can do,” says Andrew.

And that’s really the heart of it, for Andrew and for the team at Dejay. Together, they’re building a more inclusive, active future.