Wobbles Media Release

Wobbles —A Kiwi-Aussie Story of Defiance, Ingenuity, Determination, and a Dash of Trans- Tasman Rivalry Born in New Zealand. Raised on grit. Told with humour. Assisted by an Aussie. When Mark Wilson was born in 1995 in New Zealand with a severe brain injury, later diagnosed as cerebral palsy, doctors told his parents he might never walk or talk. Their advice? Lower your expectations. But that’s not the Kiwi way. His mum Shirley set up a home-based therapy program, recruited a loyal band of volunteers, and worked tirelessly for five years. His dad Glenn—classic number 8 wire man—refused to accept the prognosis and got to work the only way he knew how: with belief, resourcefulness, and just a hint of madness. He figured if a farmer could fix anything around the farm with some number 8 wire and a bit of cunning, maybe a dad could help fix his son with the same spirit. So he bought Mark a go-kart. Mark was five. He couldn’t walk properly. Glenn didn’t care. “All he wanted was a puppy,” Shirley says. “Glenn came home with a 50cc go-kart.” Meanwhile, a persistent Aussie therapist named Ian Hunter joined the mix when Mark was 12 months old. He pushed Mark hard, stuck around for decades, and still insists he knows best. “We’ve spent nearly 30 years trying to one-up each other,” says Mark. “He thinks he taught me everything. I reckon he just showed up for the good bits.” “I’ve never met a more stubborn child,” Ian replies. “Or a better one.” About Wobbles Wobbles is a raw, funny, and deeply moving memoir told by five voices—Mark, his parents Shirley and Glenn, his sister Corena, and long-time therapist Ian. Together, they reveal the unfiltered truth of what it takes to fight for a child’s future: love, grit, laughter, and a refusal to give up. Why Kiwis & Aussies will connect with Wobbles: A classic Number 8 wire story — problem- solving, persistence, and a father who wouldn’t take no for an answer Early intervention in action — proof that brain injury doesn’t have to mean life injury Told with brutal honesty and family banter — five voices, one incredible story And some classic Trans-Tasman rivalry — Kiwi determination vs. Aussie doggedness (with no clear winner yet). Ian still can’t work out why Mark isn’t a fan of Aussie Rules. Download Media Release