Hello everyone

As some of you already know our friend Richard Tombs has received a serious spinal injury in an accidental clash while playing in the local soccer comp.
 Richard and his family have been tireless servants to the local community through there elite sporting backgrounds and volunteering with various childrens sports and surf clubs.

As timing would have it, I have entered a  70.3 half ironman triathlon at he end of November at Penrith Regatta center and have decided to try and raise some funds to help towards Richards rehab

A 70.3 half Ironman is a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and 21km half marathon (just got anxiety writing that!)

I have been inspired by Richard and Carissa and there amazingly positive attitude to try and get me round this course .

So please if you can donate what you can it would be greatly appreciated ,and you can maybe come out and watch me crawl across the finish line.

Thank You !
Gordon


please check links and read  the bio below

https://www.facebook.com/gunsoutfortombsy/ 
http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman-70.3/western-sydney.aspx#axzz5WDDOH7T4 


Richard Tombs ex Wallaby and Waratah had a serious accident playing in an over 35’s soccer competition representing Curl Curl Youth Football Club on August 4th 2018. He was in in Royal North Shore Hospital’s ICU for a week and the spinal injury unit for 5 weeks. He has since been moved to Royal Rehab, Spinal Injury unit in Ryde for residential rehabilitation. He is progressing well, however it is still a struggle.

Injury and rehabilitation
Richard is classified as a “C4 incomplete spinal” this means that all of Richards limbs are affected. Due to the type of injury, longer term diagnosis is unclear. Whilst there has been significant progress since Richard’s initial prognosis and he remains in high spirits and optimistic, there is a long road ahead and his recovery potential is uncertain.
Richard can use his biceps but is not able to use his triceps, or hands. There is some restricted movement in his wrists and minimal movement and feeling in his legs. He is unable to walk or stand & is still suffering from neurological nerve pain and spasms, overall the impact is significant and life changing.
In practical terms this means he is unable to use a phone, computer or to feed himself without help. He requires nursing support daily to manage his bowel care and catheter. He needs professional assistance and specialised equipment to get him in and out of bed and his electric wheelchair, to dress and wash himself and to move/ roll in bed.
Rehabilitation will involve an initial intensive spinal program for a minimum period of 3-4 months in a residential centre in Royal Rehab at Ryde. The programs offered here are specific to facilitating adjustment to disability and promoting self-determination and independence. It is anticipated that after the Ryde rehabilitation, Richard will require private intensive physio, which is proven to improve outcomes and help achieve his goals of being able to drive, work, and of course walk and regain as much movement as possible.