Dexter Heffernan suffered brain damage after a premature birth, and as a result has cerebral palsy and impaired vision. Then at 13 months old, he underwent treatment for liver cancer.

But Dexter is a fighter and his community has rallied around him – and parents Lenice and Andrew – to make their Kiama Downs house wheelchair accessible. 

Tradies and suppliers are providing services and materials at little to no charge.

‘‘We had an old 1980’s house with lots of tiny rooms but the renovation is opening everything up to allow him to get around better,’’ Mrs Heffernan said.

Her sister Carol Laverty and friend Melissa Tierney initiated the project by launching a ‘Doing it for Dexter’ Facebook page.

‘‘It’s changing our lives,’’ Mrs Heffernan said. ‘‘Dexter is non-verbal but when he’s at the house watching the work he’s super happy.’’

Big-hearted tradies are still needed, call 0409 976 987.