Youngest daughter Tara, 6, has a life-threatening epilepsy condition – most likely Dravet Syndrome – which leaves her with crippling seizures, sometimes up to 100 per day.

Tara’s condition means her mum Cheri and dad David are constantly scrimping to afford the medication, equipment and round the clock care she needs.

Unfortunately, as the family travelled back to their Mia Mia home from church on Sunday evening, their van – specially fitted out to accommodate Tara’s wheelchair – collided with a kangaroo.

The damage is significant and Ms O’Connell believes the van will be written off, leaving Tara stranded.

“We have a wheelchair lift van for her to get out of home, to meet the school bus, go to OT, physio and most importantly gets her safely to hospital when she is unwell,” Ms O’Connell said.

“She can walk short distances but she doesn’t have any core body strength so she flops really badly.

“She can’t sit in a normal car seat and she’s outgrown all the infant ones on the market so she has to travel in her wheelchair.”

The van was insured but Ms O’Connell said she doesn’t know if the payout will cover the wheelchair lift as well, and the time taken to find a replacement will mean Tara is without transport for weeks.

“We are desperately seeking any help to get back on the road urgently,” she said.

“With school holidays we have a few weeks up our sleeve but we need to work something out.

“The isolation of where we live makes things 10 times more difficult.”

The central Victorian community has been very supportive of the Mia Mia family in the past – Forty Winks recently donated a $12,000 hospital grade bed for Tara – and Ms O’Connell is hoping some individual or business can come to their aid again. Anyone who might be able to help with a donation or wheelchair friendly transport can contact Ms O’Connell at jake_mysterio@activ8.net.au