Shannice, a Coolnwynpin State School student, touched the hearts of many when she won two gold medals at the recent State Athletics Championships in Cairns.

Shannice was born with a severe rare brain malformation known as schizencephaly, is non-verbal and also has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and pervasive developmental disorder, but this has never stopped her from living life to the fullest.

“When Shannice became mobile at the age of 2½ she decided walking wasn’t for her and took to running instead,” mother Kristen said.

“Shannice’s therapists, teachers and our family found ourselves running after her on a regular basis when she would run away in a ‘rage’.

“We never imagined that one day we would actually be cheering her on, as she was running down a running track.

“Now our daughter, who we were told would never walk, is running for our state at the national championships in Tasmania!”

Kristen said she would like to thank the following people for supporting Shannice in her athletic endeavours.

“Karen Vickers and Ann Prosser – Shannice’s main teacher-aide and SEU teacher whose belief in her and constant support for our family is immeasurable.

“Sharon Fischer – Shannice’s class teacher who has been an amazing advocate, gave up her own time to train Shannice and give her the strength to never give up.

“And lastly a man that we met for the first time at the District Sport Championships and has been at every competition since – Alan Menzies.

“He has been such a tower of support, holding Shannice’s hand onto the field and waiting at the finish line to congratulate her; ensuring at all times that she is safe – can’t thank him enough!”