Key Takeaways:
- A 16-year-old boy, Noah Berkeley, was left paralyzed after hitting a sand bank while swimming at Riversdale beach.
- The community came together to raise $62,000 in one night to support Noah’s recovery.
- Noah is currently undergoing physio sessions at the Burwood spinal unit in Christchurch and has shown determination and discipline in his recovery.
- The community’s support has not only helped financially but also emotionally, with many offering donations, time, and support to Noah and his family.
- The local life savers, ambulance, and Life Flight crews played a crucial role in minimizing the impact of Noah’s injuries and giving him the best chance of recovery.
Introduction to the Accident
The Riversdale community has come together to support a 16-year-old boy, Noah Berkeley, who was left paralyzed after a swimming accident at Riversdale beach. On January 2, Noah hit a sand bank while diving into a wave, damaging two cervical vertebrae and leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. His father, Stu Berkeley, has expressed his gratitude and humility towards the community’s response, saying that he is "lost for words" after $62,000 was raised in one night to assist Noah’s recovery.
Noah’s Recovery
Noah is currently undergoing physio sessions at the Burwood spinal unit in Christchurch, where he is showing determination and discipline in his recovery. According to his father, Noah is taking to his recovery with the same determination and discipline he applied to his basketball training before the accident. Although Noah has some feeling return to his feet, it could be a long time before they learn how well he will recover. His family is proud of the progress he has made so far, and Stu Berkeley has praised his son’s hard work and dedication to his recovery.
Community Support
The community’s support for Noah and his family has been overwhelming, with many offering donations, time, and support. Chantal Billington, whose son was swimming with Noah when he was hurt, organized a fundraising event at the Riversdale Golf Club, which raised $62,000. The event was attended by 200 people, and items were auctioned off to raise funds for Noah’s recovery. Billington said that the community came together to support Noah, with many people donating items and services to be auctioned off. The event was a huge success, and the money raised will go towards supporting Noah’s recovery and helping his family during this challenging time.
Emotional Support
The community’s support has not only helped financially but also emotionally. Billington said that the money raised was "small change" compared to the challenges Noah and his family are facing, but the emotional support and sense of community has been invaluable. Noah’s family has been overwhelmed by the response, and Stu Berkeley has struggled to put into words how humbled they are by the community’s support. The family is grateful for the donations, but also for the offers of help, such as doing laundry and providing meals, which have made a big difference during this difficult time.
Gratitude to Emergency Services
Stu Berkeley has also expressed his gratitude to the local life savers, ambulance, and Life Flight crews who helped Noah and worked to minimize the impact of his injuries. He praised their exceptional work, saying that they gave Noah the best opportunity to make as best a recovery as he possibly can. The emergency services’ quick response and professionalism have made a significant difference in Noah’s recovery, and the family is thankful for their efforts.
Conclusion
The Riversdale community has come together to support Noah Berkeley and his family during a difficult time. The fundraising event and community support have not only raised money for Noah’s recovery but have also provided emotional support and a sense of community. The family is grateful for the donations, offers of help, and support, and is proud of Noah’s determination and discipline in his recovery. As Noah continues to undergo physio sessions and work towards his recovery, the community’s support will be invaluable in helping him and his family through the challenges they face.
