Stories

Nearly 5 months ago, Grant’s bike accident led to him being admitted to the Prince of Wales Spinal Unit, 2 hours away from his family in Kiama.

Ken suffered a spinal cord injury back in 1971 when he was teacher-in-charge of a small school near Wagga. After his initial recovery he was able to walk short distances with the aid of walking sticks.

Over 65, with no NDIS or other funding and a recent injury, Carolyn and her husband Brian enjoyed their first stay at Sargood thanks to the support of the Sargood Foundation.

Dante experienced a spinal cord injury just 7 months ago and is still in rehab. The close knit family is going through a huge transition, trying to adapt to house moves and coming together to support each other though the massive changes that come with a life changing injury.

What a year it’s been for everyone, but especially for Kevan and Jan. This lovely couple from regional
NSW have had one blow after another. They had originally planned to visit under the Sargood Foundation’s Colin Apps grant program last year – but an extended stay in the hospital for Kevan followed by a family tragedy and then COVID, meant that their stay was postponed until now.

We arrived at Sargood and were first blown away at the location! We were greeted by the wonderful team on duty at the time and checked in. To say everything (and I mean everything) had been thought of was an understatement, there is no want or need that someone with a Spinal Cord Injury would have that is unavailable at this facility.

What an amazing place is Sargood. The staff, from Heidi over the phone, the front desk reception plus the “girls” that were always around in the kitchen/dining area and baking cookies to try on the food bench, helping out at happy hour as waitresses and even keeping our rooms tidy. They were always around with a friendly smile and talk.

“The room was just amazing; I couldn’t get over how lovely it was and easy to get around. We just so enjoyed having our breakfast together on the beautiful balcony”

“I don’t want to go home!” These are the words I cried as Ted, my husband & I drove out of Sargood on Collaroy. I was the recipient of a Colin Apps Scholarship from the Sargood Foundation, and how appreciative I am!

Richard is a long-term member of our local community here on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. A country boy, he moved to Sydney to follow a hugely successful rugby career playing with the Wallabies from 1988 to 1996 and then internationally to 2001.