Walking the talk on the Great Wall

The 11-year-old Australian girl tackles the Great Wall step-by-step with her mother's guidance. [Photo/Xinhua]

Mission possible

In preparation for her Great Wall mission, Taylor underwent physiotherapy for months to strengthen her legs and build up stamina. She also swam.

Simon said she is passionate about swimming and wants to be a Paralympic swimmer like Jacqueline Freney, fellow Australian with cerebral palsy who won eight golds in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

In September 2016, Taylor went through a major surgery to improve her motor function. After that, she was able to stand straight like other children. Asked whether the operation was painful, she said breezily: "It's all right."

Toni said her daughter never cried while recovering from the surgery despite the pain. "She is such a courageous kid. She always pushes herself to be the best she can be," she said.

Dougal Cameron, a volunteer who accompanied Taylor on her Great Wall trip, said he was inspired by her. "It was obviously painful for her to walk so far along the Great Wall. She is amazing," he said.

The trip to the Great Wall was surreal for Toni. "We are so grateful for all the support Taylor received from all corners of the world," she said.