ON Sunday, November 26 the Cape Tavern will host a fundraiser towards Timothy Hanley’s rehabilitation and recovery after a paralyzing fall five months ago.
Tim’s devastating workplace accident happened on June 19, 2023.
At about 8am, Tim fell from a ladder and landed directly on the tape measure that was clipped to the rear of his tool belt, sustaining a severe burst fracture of his L1 vertebrae. Two gruelling ambulance rides later, Tim underwent an eight-hour operation to stabilise his spine - rods and screws were inserted into the bone to prevent further injury to his spinal cord.
Tim was recently discharged home to Mullumbimby from the Spinal Injury Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital. During his stay Tim participated in an intensive rehabilitation program that included physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Tim still has no movement from L1 down but has some altered sensation in his upper thighs. He will continue to need extensive physiotherapy and the rehabilitation process will be ongoing.
Long-term friends Adam and Zoe Blundell have rallied behind Tim to help him through his recovery, working with friends, family, and local businesses to organise an upcoming fundraiser at the Cape Tavern in Cape Paterson.
As an original local boy from Bass Coast, Tim has family and friends in the local community looking to help him through this journey and provide some relief to the financial pressure.
“Adam and I visited Tim in the spinal injury unit and were inspired by his positive attitude to achieve the goals that had been set for him. He took on every challenge with positivity, grace and his trademark humour and wit that he is known and loved for,” said Zoe.
The home Tim shares with partner Michelle Popple is another colossal issue. “Their house was horrendously flooded in the 2022 floods and is still in disarray after being extensively damaged, and their insurance company yet to pay out their claims,” said Zoe.
“Our fundraiser will also help with the renovation and modifications needed to accommodate Tim’s wheelchair and other accessibility needs within the home.”
The modifications around the home will allow Tim to have independence during his recovery process and allow him to live actively and comfortably moving forward.
Tim would like to thank his family and friends who visited him during his recovery in Brisbane and those who have reached out with messages and calls of love and support, over the last five months.
Tim also acknowledges the staff at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane who operated on him so quickly, cared for him and supported him in his initial recovery.
Over 80 businesses have supported Tim’s Road to Recovery by generously donating to the numerous raffles that will be drawn on the night, including the major raffle prize that will be announced at the sister fundraising event held at the Common People Brewery on December 2 in Bangalow NSW – Tim’s new local town.
To support Tim and his family during this time, head on down to the Cape Tavern where ‘Archie and the Gang’ will perform live. A Harley’s courtesy bus will collect patrons from the Wonthaggi Police Station at 2pm on Sunday and will make a return trip at 7pm. ($5 per seat, cash, and card facilities available on the bus).
Together the town are raising funds for a legend in need, with 5% of raised funds being donated to the The Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation to aid in the research towards spinal injury treatment.
Raffle tickets are now available for @timmys_road_to_recovery with six raffle prize packs to be won.
The @thecapetavern fundraiser will hold three silent auction items up for bidding this Sunday, November 26.
To purchase raffle tickets, reach out to @zoelblundell and Adam via social media.
Cash and card payments are available prior to the event and on Sunday.
T-shirt sales have launched today, so get behind Tim's recovery - scan the QR code to purchase Eleven Anchors You Are Loved t-shirts.
“Thank you for supporting Tim. Tim, you are loved.”
