Irwin Vale, Victoria

After reading an article in her local paper about Irwin Vale, Dianne Caldwell a TIC Member, contacted Club Cares with Irwin's story asking if we would be able to assist him.

Irwin Vale was following his life-long dream to become a pilot, he had attained his Commercial Pilots Licence and Instructor Rating and had accepted a job in Nadi, Fiji. Four months later, on 27th July 2008 a police driver failed to give way, hitting his scooter side-on and sending him flying, fracturing his C3, C4, and C5 vertebras and consequently he sustained a spinal cord injury. He was transported to Melbourne for surgery, and had no idea what he was in for, what a quadriplegia was, how drastically his life would change, or what emotional, let alone financial cost this would bring.   Due to the fact that he is completely uncompensated, his stay at rehab was 13 months long, but Irwin said this also showed him the positive effect intensive exercise could have on his recovery. Upon discharge, and to this day, he still requires daily support for personal care. 
 
Irwin was told he would never walk again, but he is defying the odds and twitch by twitch, millimetre by millimetre, movement has began to return and thankfully he can walk short distances with a frame, and is getting stronger and fitter every week. One of Irwin's many goals is that his balance will be good enough to use crutches unsupervised.
 
Club Cares is pleased to be able to assist Irwin in his rehabilitation by donating $10,000 towards special equipment by recently purchasing a Body Craft Access Xpress, a piece of gym equipment designed specially to help build strength and balance.
 
Irwin said   "Life is a struggle, but I know there is only one way to overcome the hurdles before me and reclaim my prime, my youth, my career, my independence. Therefore, I am truly humbled for the support Club Cares is showing in helping me do this. I will be able to continue working hard towards my goals, long after the community therapies back away. Thank you!"