This is the story behind Nicole Kullen’s rise into the 2008 Paralympic equestrian team, and the reason for a benefit night for the talented rider organised by Hawkesbury resident Shane Skeen.

Mr Skeen has been following Ms Kullen’s inspirational story since she contracted the illness meningococcal meningitis septicemia in August, 1996, and was not even expected to live the night. At the onset of the illness Ms Kullen spent six weeks in an induced coma on life support and another six months in hospital recovering.

The illness caused both her lower legs to be amputated and she has limited arm movement and strength, with no function in both hands and wrists.

During the ordeal all her internal organs were damaged, which continually cause health complications, including the loss of all function from both kidneys in 2000.

“I got to meet Nicole at her home earlier this year and I met a girl who was positive, always smiling and had an immense passion for horses,” he said.

“We’ve since become friends and she inspires me with her courage, and her will to succeed. This is my chance to help her realise her ultimate dream of riding at the Paralympics.”

The benefit night is being held at Penrith Panthers on July 4 at 7pm and will include a celebrity speaker, famed magical act Magic Unlimited and appearances by the Penrith Panthers NRL squad.

A monster sports memorabilia auction will include a signed Australian one-day cricket shirt by Brett Lee, signed Sydney Kings singlet, signed Panthers jersey, signed and framed Danny Green picture and NSW Speedblitz Blues shirt signed by Hawkesbury’s Peter Forrest to name a few.

The night’s raffle has great prizes up for grabs like a 12 month gym membership at Physique Health Club, DVD player, family cruise on the Nepean Belle, water dispenser and cooler packs and a one hour massage among others.

Mr Skeen is hoping to raise in excess of $10,000 for Ms Kullen, who will use the money to help cover her horse and training expenses whilst having to live away from home to train in Victoria during the lead-up to the Games, as well as to help her with her medical treatment costs and the extra accommodation and living expenses for herself, and her mother Margaret (who is her full time carer).

“We really need the community to get behind Nicole and the fundraiser,” Mr Skeen said.

To book a table at the event, or to donate a raffle or auction item, email Shane Skeen at cuba23@aapt.net.au

If you can’t get there ion the night but would like to help, go to www.nicolekullen.com for information on other ways you can help to support Nicole with fulfilling her dreams.