Inspirational Hayden Walsh Presents Highlights From His Biography “If I Can, You Can”
We were truly fortunate to have the inspirational Hayden Walsh present highlights from his biography “If I Can, You Can,” to us today.
32-year-old father, disability advocate, and Collingwood Football Club fan Hayden, lives with cerebral palsy.
Attendees described today’s event as “super inspiring” “Awesome! An inspiring way to start the new year, Thankyou Hayden for sharing your story.”
In his biography Hayden says, “My Mum once told me that I was given the body I have, and the life I have, and it’s up to me to make the most of it. That’s what I am doing; living with the body I was given to the best of my ability.”
Some of Hayden’s milestones to date.
• Hayden Walsh met Nathan Buckley at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 1998 before he was to undergo major hip surgery. They have kept in contact ever since through the Collingwood Football Club. Nathan has provided the Foreword for the book.
• Hayden met Yessah online through eHarmony in 2018. They have a 4-year-old daughter Shanaya
• Hayden Walsh works two jobs, one at John Holland Construction in Melbourne, the other at Woolworths Kyneton, where he has been employed for 13 years.
• Hayden drives a car and volunteers at the Kyneton Football Netball Club where he has been the senior team’s timekeeper for several years.
• Hayden Walsh plays football for the KFNC in their all-ability FIDA side, which he was instrumental in setting up in 2021
• Hayden is a consultant for the Dylan Alcott Foundation’s Get Skilled Access program
• Hayden Walsh is a one-eyed Collingwood supporter and has strong connections with players Jordon De Goey and former Collingwood player Jarrod Blair.
• When Hayden was 11, he was the first Auskicker living with a disability to play in the halftime game at an AFL match. This event was captured on page three of the Herald when the crowd cheered Hayden as he exited the ground, holding his sticks above his head in appreciation.
• Hayden Walsh first suffered mental health issues when he was 17 because of a relationship breakdown.
“If I Can, You Can” Author Karen O’Sullivan
Karen is a former radio and TV journalist who was Channel 7’s senior Health Reporter from 2004-2017. Karen met Hayden when she was the President at the Kyneton Football Netball Club.
“I’ve wanted to write a book for 25 years, luckily when I asked Hayden if I could write his story, he said yes.”
“Hayden Walsh is a unique individual whose actions speak louder than his words.”
“He lives a full life, with kindness and purpose, something all of us strive to achieve.”
Why Has Hearth Created This Event?
This event is part of our series of events hosted by Hearth, bringing together sector clinicians, leaders and inspirational people.
At Hearth, we believe that we have a collective responsibility to share positive sector stories, promote best practice and share our expertise with the broader NDIS community, therefore this event is free of charge.
Chairman & Founder Hearth Support Services
“IF I CAN, YOU CAN” can be ordered online at in case of emergency press.
For interviews, please call Karen on 0409 126 792
Instagram: @karenosullivan_writer @hayden.walsh23
Facebook @karenosullivan
