Maya Dove, from Kinglake, was presented with an $6700 wheelchair at the launch of the foundation’s Spinal Cord Injury Appeal in Bendigo on Saturday night.

Appeal organiser Tracey Clarke said it was a proud moment for Foundation 97, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of non-funded spinal cord injured Victorians by providing them with equipment for regular and consistent participation.

Fifteen year-old Maya, who was born with cysts on her spine, which paralysed her from the chest down, could not have been more thankful, according to Ms Clarke.

“Her family will still texting me at 12.30am saying ‘we got home and we’re so very thankful’,” Ms Clarke said.

“Maya was stoked.

“She just couldn’t thank us enough.”

Maya has recently been invited to train with the Victorian state basketball squad.

A second grant was awarded to a New South Wales man, who was left quadriplegic after a water accident in February, for equipment to help him communicate through his television and computer.

More than $25,000 was raised during the appeal, including proceeds from raffles and silent auctions.

Further donations were still being counted Sunday.

“We had people (Sunday) morning saying we didn’t get to the event, so we’ll pay as a donation,” Ms Clarke said.

“The support has been wonderful.”

Guest speaker for the event at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre was retired world speedway motorcycle champion Leigh Adams.

Mildura born and raised Adams suffered a spinal cord injury after crashing in the 2011 Finke Desert Race in the Northern Territory, only months after retiring from international competition.

The multiple Speedway Grand Prix  winner and 10-time Australian champion said he was thrilled to be involved with the appeal launch.

“(Spinal cord injury) is not the end of the world … being paralysed is a setback definitely, it’s hard to take and on the family,” Adams said.

“(But) you can get by and you can be surprised by what you can do and achieve.

“It’s pretty cringing when I see the young kids get injured, that’s really hard to accept.

“I guess my message is be positive and obviously we are all hoping one day something comes up to help people with spinal cord injuries.”

Entertainment included exhibitions from the extreme sports freestyle team, Flair Riders and a quick shear event. 

For more information about Foundation 97, visit http://www.f97.com.au/