A terrifying kite surfing accident left a father of five permanently paralysed from the chest down, leaving him with an uncertain future.
Michael Roberts, a surfer and all-around water enthusiast, broke his spine in a life-altering accident in Perth a week ago, and now he is “mourning half of his body.”
Just three months after he married the love of his life, the near-tragic event has flipped his and his family’s lives upside down.
Around Mr. Roberts and his new wife, Naomi, who has spoken up about the devastating effects the disaster has had on the couple and their five young children, friends, coworkers, and strangers have rallied.
She shared a photo taken from his hospital bed and paid homage to her “brave and courageous” spouse while providing an upbeat update on his condition.
On Monday, he was sent to Fiona Stanley Hospital to start his recovery process.
We are beyond thrilled about it. Michael is one step closer to returning home because of being here, according to Ms. Roberts, who posted the statement on an internet fundraising page.
She also expressed her gratitude to Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilizers and Newmount Australia for their unwavering support during this trying period.
It has enabled us to reflect, grieve, and most importantly, be together at this tough time, she said in her message. “We have been amazed by the love we have gotten from so many amazing individuals and our companies.”
Mr. Roberts has vast experience in both the public and private sectors and is now employed as a talent management adviser.
Within only two days, close to $30,000 has already been raised.
The money received will be used to update the family home so that Mr. Roberts may live there when he eventually leaves the hospital.
His wife stated, “Overnight, our whole life and the lives of our children were flipped upside down.”
‘Three months ago, we were the happy newlyweds we have ever been, and now we confront the unknown reality.
“Unfortunately, Michael had a spinal injury that fractured his spine, severely damaged his spinal cord, and fused a significant portion of his spine, leaving him permanently paralysed from the chest down.
Every day, I am grateful that my husband is still with us and that he is still able to love and mentor our five children.
Ms. Roberts recognised the difficult journey they had in front of them but held out some hope that her husband may be able to walk once again.
Michael will make the most of the cards he has been given, I believe we can overcome anything together, Ms. Roberts said.
He is really courageous and resilient, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be his wife.
“Our family would be extremely grateful for your help. It will enable us to preserve our family home and give Michael the best chance at independence.
It will also enable us to investigate potential new technologies that could one day enable him to walk normally.
“The amount of support we have gotten from so many individuals has left us feeling really thankful and overwhelmed.
We can’t wait to be able to personally thank each and every one of the incredible individuals in our life, which brings tears to our eyes. I’m really grateful to you all.
The family has received a deluge of encouraging letters from wellwishers.
One friend said on Facebook, “He is a lovely and kind parent and husband, 2 of his kids are extremely significant in our life, they are both my kids closest friends since they were in Kindy.”
“Michael has suffered a very sad accident and is paraplegic. He is facing a huge curveball and has a lot of adapting ahead, not only for him but for his whole family,” the statement reads.