Destination (and a birthday) in sight after ‘Daniel Bourke’s Journey’ of recovery

DANIEL Bourke, Wonthaggi Power’s ruckman, who was badly injured in a car accident on his way home from the footy at Drouin on Saturday, July 11, was half-a-chance to join his teammates at Moe on Saturday.

But, in the end, according to his father Phil, who has been running a comprehensive account of son’s ‘journey’, detailing his fight back, on social media, the wheelchair was going to be the issue.

“We just couldn’t fault the support Daniel has received from Wonthaggi Power, and also from Phillip Island for that matter, and he had hoped to get down there to Moe on Saturday to support the boys,” said Phil Bourke on Friday.

“They actually had him on video link before last week’s game, giving them a final rev-up (match against Traralgon). He’s fully engaged in what they’re doing, he’s been watching all the games, staying in touch with everyone and they’ve also been hugely supportive of him as well.

“The way they welcomed him to the club in the first place, the wonderful culture they’re building there, and their support has been first class."

“He’s still got a long way to go, but we’re hopeful he’ll be home in two to three weeks’ time.

“But, if he can get to the footy in the weeks ahead, he’ll definitely be there.

“There’s no reason to suggest he won’t make a full recovery, both strength and function,” he said.

A graduate with a Batchelor of Exercise and Sport Science from the highly-rated Deakin University sport science school at Burwood, Daniel understands more than most what it takes to come back from accident and injury.

And, if you’re trying to look for the silver lining in the whole fearful incident, he’s likely to be able to put his personal experience to good effect during a career that has already started full of promise at the prestigious Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

“They’ve been following his progress and we would hope he might at least get back there in a few weeks to do some admin work,” said Phil.

After Wonthaggi’s big game on Saturday, another milestone in his recovery looms for Daniel on Sunday when he celebrates his 24th birthday, likely to be a big occasion for family and friends after what he’s been through in the past seven weeks.

Phil Bourke’s latest post on the ‘Daniel Bourke’s Journey’ Facebook page provides a taste of what he’s been dealing with:

“Well, well, nearly two weeks since the last post to this page. A bit to update, but we will keep it brief.

“We are now entering week 3 in rehab, beginning this week with a visit to the Orthopedic Surgeon for a follow-up to Daniel becoming titanium-man. More on that later.

“Excellent, solid progress has continued whilst in Epworth. 3 3-course meals, 2 x one-on-one gym sessions, and a constant stream of visitors means each day is pretty full. Our boy is a little tired by the end of each of these busy days."

“Strength is returning, condition returning, and a continued exceptionally positive outlook is reinforcing the progress.

“Excitement came late last week with the first leave-pass after some training on transitioning from wheelchair to car! This culminated in the first visit outside for dinner and a beer with great mate Tom last Thursday night. The Bridge Hotel in Richmond will never see anything like it again! He is indeed back!

“A further weekend leave pass with Niamh to the movies (Spider-Man no less) was exceptionally welcome. Daniel can sure manoeuvre his wheelchair as is evidence by the video below, and he really enjoyed the disabled lifts!

“Finally, today, the visit to the doc! Great news, the x-rays of the metal bits looking positive, Daniel has been given the green light to start doing some weight-bearing exercise on both legs (partial on the right). Crutches are expected to come soon under suitable supervision, which will surely test the patient physios at the Epworth.

“Look out, this coming weekend is the big 24th birthday!!”

As well as keeping friends and family informed about his progress, the Facebook page has swelled to more than 1000 members.

“We’ve had lots of great feedback from the Facebook page and Daniel is doing his own Instagram and Snapchat. It’s been a good way to keep everyone in contact, but I think it also gives you an insight into what people have to go through when they’re involved in car accidents and other incidents.

“It’s pretty revealing of the ups and downs involved.”

So, it’s onwards and upwards for Daniel Bourke after some low days immediately following the accident and there’s little doubt that staying in touch with his supporters, family and friends has played a part in his recovery.

Don’t surprised to see him turning up at the footy sometime soon.

Wheeling out of Epworth hospital last week, for his first beer at a local Richmond hotel with friends was something of a milestone for Phillip Island’s Daniel Bourke. Another milestone looms on Sunday with his 24th birthday.