Northern Sydney Wellbeing Officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey have visited the Spinal Ward, Royal North Shore Public Hospital, St.Leonards Sydney many times over the past years and are always struck by the caring nature of the hospital staff and the courage of the injured persons that they visit. Their recent visit to meet 21-year-old Josh Farr was no different. They were also fortunate to meet his mum, Allison and dad, Martin, who both displayed great love and care for their son, Josh.
Josh, along with five other friends, was involved in a single-vehicle crash between Blayney and Bathurst during the early hours of 17 December 2017 and he was airlifted to Sydney for immediate surgery on serious back injuries. He was in the intensive care unit for a time but has now been moved to the hospital’s renowned Spinal Care Ward for treatment, assessment and rehab.
Josh has been moved by his family and friends that have continually visited him to give him support and courage. His mum Allison commented that they have been overwhelmed by the support, in many forms, being shown to Josh and family, from members of the local community. Norm and Ken were not surprised by this, as they are truly a remarkable family showing such strength, love and courage.
Josh played local rugby league as a talented centre with the Blayney Bears Senior Rugby League Club and his younger brother Lachie is a member of the Newcastle Knights RL Club Under 20s squad. He admitted that he was a keen follower of the NRL and his favourite team is the North Queensland Cowboys.
The volunteers presented Josh with a Men of League Foundation polo shirt and cap. Josh remarked that he would be able to give his Pop his old Men of League cap, as he now had a brand new one. They wished Josh their very best wishes on his road to recovery along with Allison and Martin.
Josh and his family expressed their thanks for the visit and Norm and Ken told them they will stay in touch.
by Ken Vessey
