You can support Paul Crake
13 December 2006
by
Michele Nardelli
Anyone
who was following Team UniSA-Australia in 2006 will remember Paul
Crake. A feisty rider, he was one of UniSA’s most aggressive
performers in one of the hottest tours on record.
But on November 11 the 29 year old was racing in 8th stage of the Powernet Tour of Southland NZ when a freak gust of wind blew five cyclists off the road. Paul has sustained serious injuries - fractures to his cervical vertebrae and a fracture to the T5 thoracic vertebrae and dislocations through to T7 and both lungs punctured from cracked ribs. He has undergone surgery and is now in rehab in Australia.
While the prognosis is very serious, Paul remains hopeful that he will walk again and has been encouraged by the enormous support of close friends and family as well as people who just admire him as a sportsman.
"It means so much to me to receive the supportive emails and letters and that's a big part of what keeps me positive,” he said. The continual support is really helping me keep my optimism and keep the battle going. I'm coming to terms with the accident now and trying to work through what's happened. I'm trying to keep my mindset positive and most of the time I have an optimistic outlook because my intention is to get out of the wheelchair. The doctors can't specifically say yes or no and there have been people in a lot worse condition than me who have recovered fully and that gives me inspiration."
UniSA wishes Paul a speedy recovery but also understands that the road to recovery can be draining emotionally and economically.
We are joining with Cycling Australia to offer Team UniSA supporters the opportunity to make a donation to support to Paul Crake.
Donations by cheque can be made to the Australian Cycling Federation Support Paul Crake Appeal c/o PO Box 7183 Bass Hill, NSW 2197, by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Bankcard) over the phone to Cycling Australia (02) 9644 3002; or by fax to (02) 9644 3006 or email Australian Cycling Federation and by direct deposit to the Commonwealth Bank BSB: 062 314, Account No: 1008 8234 Branch: Flemington Markets (Sydney, NSW)
(Please e-mail Australian Cycling Federation to advise of your contribution amount, time of deposit and contact details so ACF can record and respond to your valued support).