Walk, rock ‘n roll

Confidence, strength and a custom fit: how Harry’s walker keeps up with his life

At 18, Harry’s life is full of energy. He’s just finished school, but the world outside those classroom walls is where he really comes alive. You’ll often find him at concerts, musicals, or any live performance that captures his imagination – live recordings of Australian Idol and The Voice, for example! Music isn’t just background noise; it’s a passion, something he throws himself into with the same intensity he brings to everything else.

“He’s just so confident and strong and tall,” says his mum, Holly. That confidence isn’t something that magically appears – it’s something he carries into every corner of his life, from performances to everyday adventures.

One place that confidence really shines is at the I’Mpossible Gym in Penrith. Harry trains there under the guidance of coach Eddie Palaci, who remembers the first time they met. “I’ll never forget how nervous Harry was at first,” he says. “But then he settled in, and all I can remember was his smile – the smile of a person who felt included, who was supported and could feel this was the right place for him.” From that moment on, Harry wasn’t just a participant; he became a part of the gym community.

Since that first session, he has thrown himself into every aspect of the program. His workouts span a wide range of machines – the rower, treadmill, ski erg, and recumbent bike – and he tackles strength exercises like squats, push-ups, core work, and sled pushes with determination. But the gym isn’t just about routines and machines. It’s about challenge, creativity, and pushing boundaries, both physically and mentally. And Harry thrives on it.

His favourite challenge? “The best exercise we get Harry to do is a farmer’s carry – except he carries his walker,” Eddie says. “That’s right, Harry is the first human that carries his walker whilst walking. It’s the best.” It’s a feat that perfectly sums up his determination, his sense of fun, and his refusal to let anything hold him back.

At the heart of Harry’s independence is his customised Hoggi Flux walker from Dejay. Lightweight yet incredibly strong, the Hoggi Flux is built to keep him upright and moving naturally, making the most of the strength he already has. The reinforced frame gives him confidence on uneven surfaces, whether at the gym, around the neighbourhood, or at a concert. “Dejay reinforced the walker to make it safer for Harry as he is adult size and very strong,” Holly explains. “It also helped him walk on more uneven surfaces.”

The impact of the walker – and Harry and Holly’s relationship with Dejay – reaches far beyond exercise and AT equipment. Harry is a music lover and performer, and the Dejay team even 3D printed him a speaker box so he can take his music out and about with him. “Harry is the life and soul of any party,” Holly says. “Having these cool Dejay customs enables him to have more fun.”

Harry also dabbles in frame running, and he has an Ottobock wheelchair through Dejay. Together, these tools give him the freedom to choose how he moves depending on the situation – whether he’s racing on a track, navigating crowded spaces, or heading to a show. With smart design, clever customisation, and a team who genuinely think outside the box, Harry can participate fully in community life without compromise.

Leon Gibb, Harry’s rehab equipment consultant at Dejay, says seeing Harry in action is what makes his work so rewarding. “Kids and young adults like Harry make my job worth it. Seeing the freedom he gets from our Dejay customisations is unreal,” he says. “Harry’s got this beautiful spirit – and his parents, Holly and Josh, are incredible at enabling him to do so much. I love that he sends me heaps of music for our shared playlist – it keeps me feeling young! And seeing how his walker helps legends like Eddie keep him fit and moving just brings it all full circle. Any time I get to hang out with Harry, he’s got the best stories and somehow always makes your day better.”

The results speak for themselves. “His agility and speed have definitely improved with the Hoggi Flux,” Eddie notes. “When something is customised and supported by such an amazing organisation like Dejay, it’s immediately evident how Harry’s confidence improves.”

For Holly, the difference is practical, visible, and emotional all at once. “It just means that he is safer and more confident in the community with his walker,” she says. “Harry wouldn’t be able to participate in community activities without the walking aides or wheelchair. They make him feel safe and secure, and that then makes him have a great time doing what he loves to do.”

She’s quick to praise the Dejay team for their approach. “They think outside the box and cater to each individual need rather than a stock standard approach. Their after-sales service is outstanding.”

And for Eddie, it all comes down to the young man himself. “Harry, H, Styles, H2 – he goes by many names,” he says with a grin. “But what stands out is his smile and his willingness to give everything a go.”

A grin that sums up the life he’s building: confident, strong, and living at full tilt – walker firmly in hand, music blasting, and ready for whatever comes next.