Accident

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 532, 19 April 1994, Page 7

Accident

The school bus that he ran in front of crushed both his legs, mutilating one beyond repair and horribly injuring the other. With part of his right leg lost, his left leg was saved but took long months to heal in W anganui Hospital It was during that time that Patrick and his family decided there would be no concessions made for his disability - life would resume as normal. Normality involved relearning how to walk with the aid of an artiflcial prosthesis, and enduring the cruel chafing associated with it. It also meant frequent hospital visits to be refitted with a new leg whenever he outgrew the old one - often every six months. He threw himself back into school, determined to be "one of the bunch." He regularly walked from his home at the Junction to school, a distance of a couple of kilometres wearing his prosthesis, which frequently made his leg sore. He showed incredible stoicism by not complaining about the condition. "Sometimes he'd get sick of his leg and put it on the teacher' s desk," recalled

Ohakune Primary School teacher, Sue Murdie. School athletics were challenging; social sports such as rugby and soccer that required kicking were frustrating, so he was encouraged to take up hockey . The association lasted until age 16 - during that time he represented King Country in the Colts Under-16's team, playing with skill against able-bodied players. He attended Ruapehu College and managed to successfully divide his time between sport and education. He finished up at the end of Form 6 after sitting and passing his University Entrance examination. Patrick showed considerable ability as a gymnast while a member of Turoa Tumblers and excelled in the thrill of competition. He shared his mother's passion for horse-riding and rode competitively until the age of 15. He also shared the family love of the outdoors, tramping numerous tracks around the area. Swimming played a large part in. his life and remains part of his training regimen when preparing for competitions.