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Quadriplegic former taxi driver and tour guide Craig Martin was back in Kununurra last week catching up with numerous friends and well-wishers.
His 'never say die' attitude has seen him progress a long way since he broke his neck running into March Fly Creek on August 19 last year.
Craig had been driving some mates in to see the Bungles - an area he knows intricately from his years as a tour guide and tour operator.
It was a warm morning and they decided to cool off about 175 kilometres south of Kununurra.
Craig ran into the water and then hit an unexpected sandbank head on.
"I felt a sort of buzz go through my body and I was lying face down in the water," he said.
"I went to roll over and found I couldn't and that was when the panic set in."
He remembers his mates dragging him up the bank out of the water and the trip to Kununurra District Hospital by ambulance.
Craig was then put into an induced coma and flown by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Perth.
He started off with very little sensation in all limbs but had now gained some use of his left arm by using his bicep.
This will eventually allow him to control his wheelchair.
He also has good neck movement and can control numerous functions using controls behind his head and by using a stylus that allows him to also receive and make mobile telephone numbers.
Craig still enjoys a cigarette and a beer, but laments he can't drink as much as he used to because he feels bloated after a few.
He and his father Angus returned to Perth on Saturday, but are planning to be back up in late July or early August.
Craig then intends to stay permanently in the town he loves.
He will at first seek temporary accommodation before looking for a place of his own.
The money raised at a benefit for him at the Hotel Kununurra in late January - nearly $29,000, plus money raised at functions over the following months, has gone towards the purchase of a Mercedes Vito.
It has been especially modified so Craig can sit in the back and have six mates along for the ride or it can be configured so he can be the front passenger.
His father intends to drive it up from Perth in late July and Craig reckons he might just come along for the ride instead of flying.
Relieving local area coordinator for the Disability Services Commission Alison Teede said: "Craig has applied and is eligible for a purpose built home through Homeswest.
"Although the process has begun it will take well over 12 months and Craig needs to be back in a familiar environment within reach of friends and colleagues if his life is to have any quality.
"The number one priority for everyone is to assist Craig to find a suitable rental property that he can move into until his purpose-built house is ready.
"If any one out there has any ideas please give us a call, we can use all the help we can get."
The numbers for DSC are 9169 1579 or 0419 933 892. |
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