Introducing Mere Roden

Mere has been in a wheelchair for 13 years (since 2006) after an abscess on her spine lead to T6 paraplegia.

In 2014 a friend invited her to a "Smashdown Barriers" program where she tried table tennis for the first time, and loved it! From that first day she wanted to be a champion and a year later she was travelling to Australia to play for Fiji where she defeated the Australian number 1.

Mere is an Oceania Gold Medalist for Table Tennis and also attended the Rio Paralympics and in 2016 was named Fijiian Sportswoman of the Year. She is ranked number 1 in Oceania for class 5 Table Tennis.

All of Mere's chairs over the past 13 years (there have been 3) have been standard weight chairs kindly donated by the Latter Day Saints in Utah.

Mere's current chair is far too big for her, the backrest is too high and she is unable to move her shoulders. The armrests are too high and she is unable to rest her arms comfortably. The seat is very low making it impossible for her to access some of the desks at her workplace.

The amazing thing is despite all the shortcomings with her current chair she still managed to compete and win GOLD imagine what Mere could do with a lightweight chair that fits!

Mere is an inspiration to others, showing that life is not over just because you are in a chair. She uses her sport to break down barriers and encourages others to get out and give it a go like she did.

Mere is very humble and wants to be nothing more than a great role model for others with disabilities.

Mere needs an ultralight weight chair, custom backrest and cushion - total package cost $8,300, we are currently fundraising to cover these costs - all donations are welcomed!

Send donations to: Pacific Rehab Foundation

Westpac Bank

A/C 03-0259-0024175-00

Ref: MERE

or via our "give a little" page - pacific rehab foundation

please email you donation advice to: mandy@rehabaction.co.nz 

#disability #paralympian