Testimonials
“I loved doing the mountain biking day at Sargood. I was so excited about having the chance to ride a bike again and see how it felt pedaling with my arms. I was even a little bit nervous on the inside but Sebastian and the staff were very cool and fun. They knew their bikes and made me feel relaxed. Going over the different terrain and seeing the sights was really freeing. I kind of forgot that I had a spinal cord injury.”
Beau McKelvey is a 12 year old boy who will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair following a motorbike accident in June this year. Life has asked of him more than most of us will ever have to answer to, and it has asked bucketloads of his mum Lisa and dad Steve, as they and Beau’s four siblings, navigate the new reality that is their life, post Beau’s accident.
Steve has had more than three months off work, Lisa spent the best part of that time in hospital at Beau’s bedside. There were bathroom renovations and a new car that would accommodate a wheelchair, and additions to the house to make it wheelchair accessible.
Beau was able to enjoy some well-deserved time being a kid at Sargood and loved the chance to try mountain biking. We very much look forward to assisting this family to come back and enjoy time together, meet new people and have the comfort of accessibility.
As mum Lisa says “It’s an amazing place!”
“We could never have dreamed of a place like this – thank God it exists!”
Thanks to the support of our community of donors and supporters, David and Lynlea were recipients of a grant to stay at Sargood recently to attend a weekend course.
David has been in hospital for eight long months since his SCI which he sustained in an awful velodrome accident. The family are living with unimaginable stress and in the process of relocating to an apartment – which once modified, will allow David to return to his wife and children.
Their stay at Sargood allowed them to understand what life might be like once David is home. For example, Lynlea had never had the chance to see how a hoist system actually worked in hospital and although the reality of this new life is confronting, with the compassionate support of our wonderful staff, David and Lynlea are feeling a bit more able to face the future.
“It’s the deep compassion of the staff that make Sargood such an extraordinary place, where you are really changing peoples’ lives and making them better.”
Sargood gave this couple a taste of their new reality in a gentle and supported way. Lynlea was able to ask our team many important questions and was supported by Rita our wonderful nurse, who rescheduled her whole day to be able to help Lynlea when she needed it.
“It’s almost as though the staff can read my face and support me on my journey to acceptance.”
Lynlea was so touched by the genuine care and compassion and professional and focused attitude shown by our team.
This, combined with outstanding hospitality, really make Sargood a special place.
“The staff are so passionate about helping people with SCI – it’s almost as though they’re energised by working here.”
“After my accident, I struggled to see what my future could look like. Spending months in the spinal cord injury unit and adjusting to a completely different life left me feeling uncertain and, at times, hopeless. Coming to Sargood on Collaroy changed that for me. It gave me a sense of belonging, purpose and possibility again.
When I joined the internship program, it was more than just work experience — it was a chance to rebuild my confidence, learn new skills and prove to myself that I still had so much to offer. Being surrounded by supportive staff and guests who understood the journey made a huge difference. The program gave me the opportunity to explore my interests, contribute meaningful ideas and slowly build a pathway back into employment and independence.
Today, I’m proud to be working four days a week at Sargood on Collaroy as a Project Officer. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is supporting people who are new to spinal cord injury. I know firsthand how overwhelming and isolating that experience can feel, and I hope that by sharing my story, others can see that life after injury can still be full of opportunity, purpose and optimism. What once felt impossible now feels achievable, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”