nicks story
07 Jan 2017
On his 21st birthday, Nick broke his neck in a diving accident.
A few weeks later the young apprentice plumber and gutsy, talented sportsman was diagnosed with C4 quadriplegia. Today, Nick faces a lengthy recovery and costly rehabilitation journey.His courage, determination and tenacity will surely be put to the test. However as Nick puts it "...I am determined to recover as much as possible, it won't be quick, but hey, ...we ain't got nothin' but time".
The rehab game is demanding, hard work, and costly. With your support however, we can together help make Nick's journey an easier one.
On his 21st birthday, Nick broke his neck in a diving accident.
A few weeks later the young apprentice plumber and gutsy, talented sportsman was diagnosed with C4 quadriplegia. Today, Nick faces a lengthy recovery and costly rehabilitation journey.His courage, determination and tenacity will surely be put to the test. However as Nick puts it "...I am determined to recover as much as possible, it won't be quick, but hey, ...we ain't got nothin' but time".
The rehab game is demanding, hard work, and costly. With your support however, we can together help make Nick's journey an easier one.
nicks rehab
October 2 at 7:42 PM · Today I had my first session at The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery. After some work through my legs and hips I was able to stand with no hip or shoulder support. A bit hyper-extended but still very happy!
8 August 2017 - update from Peter Dempsey
After almost 8 months and on the 21st August I finally get Trudy and Nick home from Melbourne after Nicks accident at his 21st on 7th of January. As Nicks dad there are alot of people I would like to thank and apparently facebook is the forum, so please bear with me as this may take a while. I would like to thanks the Ambos who looked after Nick at home, the emrgency staff at The Albury Base, the trauma team from Melbourne, the doctors at The Alfred, the Austin Hospital Spinal unit, the staff at The Royal Talbot where Nick has been for the last 6 months, Lions House for the accommodation, everyone who visited, rang left messages of support & flew in from around Aus. Big thanks to his brothers Mitch & Rhys & their partners Dot & Lilly and also Georgia. Thanks to Mick & Nat who made many visits and cooked food for Trudy & Nick. As Nick has no avenue for compensation I am forever greatful to those who have helped raise funds for Nicks rehab: Nash Clark & his team for the "Dip for Dempsey swim" The Albury-Wodonga Yatch Club, The Albury Waterpolo Club, The A-W Waterpolo association, Lyndsay Cotterill & The Sydney Uni Waterpolo Club, The Newcastle Waterpolo Club, Lauchie Dowding & The Newington Waterpolo Club, The Newington ONU, The Albury Apex Club, The Albury FN Club, The North Albury FN Club, Andy Stuart & The Jindera FN Club, The Jindera Pub, The Star Hotel Social Club, The O&M FN League, The Hume FN League, Carolyn McCowan & The Commercial Club Bandits Basketball Club, The Albury Thunder Rugby League Club, The Albury Race Club. Special thanks to Alison & Paul haringozo from The Coronet Jeweller's for the $10,000 worth of prizes for the raffle, all those who sold tickets and all those who purchased tickets, Paul Armstrong from the Apco Servo, The Directors from the Commercial Club Albury, the Joss family, The MOOSE Maurice eames for the "wax the Moose" who went thru some pain for $8k, Leanne Luhrs for her 50th birthday fundraiser, the businesses who have "Nicks Journey" money tines, The NSW Waterpolo association, The magnificent committee at "Nicks Journey" (more about you lot later) Now to the most dedicated mother any child could wish for. Trudy you have been a tower of strength for Nick, you have been by his side the whole time provding comfort and love that i know has made this tragic and difficult time for him a bit easier and for that i don't have words to discibe my love for you, and cannot wait to have both of you home again. Nick is the strongest person i know and with phase 1 almost over and phase 2 about to start we will confront it head on. THANKS TO EVERYONE.
2 August - update from Nick
Last week at Neuro Moves I worked on my balance and core strength. As Lachie pushed against me I have to resist and keep upright. This will help for my future goal of being in a manual wheelchair.
Today I also got good news that if everything goes to plan, I will be returning home for good on the 21st of August! It will be exciting to get home and start the next chapter of my journey.
3 July - update from Nick
A few months ago I would have had no chance of being able to do this. Although this arm cycle helps with momentum, this is me cycling on my own. I managed to do 20 minutes with a few breaks, the most I have been able to do but as my muscles are still
extremely weak it is very tiring. The black gloves strap my hands to the handles because I'm not able to grip. Being someone who was so active, I really enjoy this machine because it gives me a cardio workout. Hopefully I can get one for when I return home.
28 May - update from Nick (Copied from Nicks Journey FB page)
Last week I had my first session of hydro therapy, the familiar feeling of water was something I really enjoyed. It was extremely tiring trying to move myself around using my arms but was able to do it slightly. If you ask Georgia, I could never swim anyway.
There is also a photo of me a Neuro Moves holding myself upright, something they were unsure if I would be able to do.
I have also been using the motor pedal machine hoping to retain range of motion in the muscles in my legs. Even though the motor is doing all the work, the hope is that through doing a familiar action such as riding a bike it will help to make a connection between my muscles and my brain.
nick dempsey.
9 May - Update from Nick
The days keep passing by... I am slowly still getting stronger and more muscle flickers have been found in my wrists, which if I get strong enough can be used functionally.
I have been driving with the hand control for just over a week now with only one little crash. It has been a huge relief to get rid of the chin control and to be able to look at what is going on around me. The next stage is a manual chair which I hope to get in within the next year. I have also begun attempting to feed myself with the help of someone (mainly Mum) balancing my arm, but the more I practice the easier it will get.
For the past couple of weeks I have also started going to Neuro Moves, a private external rehab so I can work my body as hard as possible to achieve the best results I can. This wouldn't be possible without the help of my amazing fundraising team as well as everyone who has donated.
I will continue to push myself and work towards coming home healthy.
Nick Dempsey
7 January 2018 - update from Nick Dempsey
Well, what a year! One year ago today that I made a mistake that has changed my life and my families life forever.
It’s definitely been a challenging year. I’ve had to learn to live a different life and learn exactly what a spinal cord injury involves.
I couldn’t have survived this past year without the absolutely incredible support of my family day after day, as well as my mates who continuously go out of their way for me.
Here’s to another year of learning and improving. Only up from here.
And hey, we ain’t got nothing but time...
Well, what a year! One year ago today that I made a mistake that has changed my life and my families life forever.
It’s definitely been a challenging year. I’ve had to learn to live a different life and learn exactly what a spinal cord injury involves.
I couldn’t have survived this past year without the absolutely incredible support of my family day after day, as well as my mates who continuously go out of their way for me.
Here’s to another year of learning and improving. Only up from here.
And hey, we ain’t got nothing but time...