Elli has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and global development delay, but is expected to have some assisted walking ability in future.
Meanwhile at four years old she can't race around with her twin sister, though she's otherwise a bright and engaging little girl, and she quickly grasped the possibilities of her car.
Here she is at Coombes Johnston BMW, Tauranga, for the handover, being welcomed by its general manager, Paul Green
WHILE KALEB'S CAR NEEDED ADJUSTMENT, AND HE NEEDED QUIET TIME IN THE CAR TO GET USED TO IT, ELLI WANTED TO GET RIGHT IN AND HEAD FOR THE HILLS
CLOSING DOORS, ADJUSTABLE MIRRORS AND RADIO SORTED BEFORE SHE'S EVEN STRAPPED IN. HARNESS CONFIGURATION DEPENDS ON THE CHILD'S NEEDS
ELLLI RAPIDLY GOT THE HANG OF STEERING, THOUGH NEEDS PRACTICE WITH THROTTLE CONTROL. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GIGGLING AS SHE CHASED ANKLES...
IT WASN'T LONG BEFORE ELLIE WAS DRIVING OUT THE DOOR AND UP AND DOWN THE LOT – HER SISTER WILL GET A SUPRISE WHEN SHE GETS HOME!