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.

Imagine their relief when they finally arrived at Sargood after 2 days of travel from Coleambally… despite the rain, Collaroy Beach has never looked better!

Married for over 33 years, Kevan sustained his injury as a young man of 22, but this has not held him
back from a life full of community and service – bringing Bendigo bank to the newest town in NSW,
manning the VRA phone hotline day and night, Treasurer of the Men’s Shed and Board member of
Disabled Care.

It’s the absolute pleasure of the Sargood Foundation to be able to provide Kevan and Jan with a trip they would never have been able to dream of as – due to their age – they were ineligible for insurance or NDIS funding.As well as enjoying all the delights of the Northern Beaches and taking the opportunity to connect
with local friends and family, Kevan and Jan were able to gather advice and tips from our nurse Rita
who has over 30 years’ experience working with people living with spinal cord injury.

Additionally, a productive session with Wade, our on-site Exercise Physiologist saw them gain advise on building strength in shoulders and arms. Since Kevan’s stay in Wagga hospital, he has found transferring particularly difficult and so our own OT, David, was incredibly helpful in developing new ways to achieve a smooth transfer.

Kevan was delighted to be able to enjoy a handcycle along the beach, which is something that he had
never been able to do before. We are also delighted, thanks to the generous support of our
community of donors, to be able to host a couple who got so much out of their stay.

October 2020