Bodie’s road back

Bodie alongside girlfriend Chelsea Kleeman. 133035_05 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By ANEEKA SIMONIS

Car-led recovery for paraplegic fund-raiser

A 20-YEAR-OLD Berwick man who was left paraplegic after a motocross accident last year has attracted medical bills that have quickly overwhelming his devastated family.
Bodie Tattam sustained the tragic spinal injury after colliding with another rider at Frankston Motocross Track on Monday 9 June.
His stepfather Adam Greenough described the terrible day that changed Bodie’s life forever.
“He was riding on the track … he rode there quite a bit.
“He was going over a jump and a slower bike came across his side and he clipped the other bike in the air,” he recalled.
“We are not sure how he landed but he was instantly paralysed.”
Bodie, who had been riding dirt bikes competitively for many years before the accident, was transferred to The Alfred hospital for emergency surgery but was told his injuries were too severe.
The Berwick plumber had broken his ribs, a wrist as well as several parts of his spine – which he is determined to overcome.
“The doctors aren’t too convincing and haven’t really given any hope to walk but the support from my friends and family has made me prove them otherwise!” he wrote on the Bodie Tattam Foundation page.
“At the moment there’s nothing more I want to do than to hold my word and walk again.”
The former Berwick High School student has been getting intensive therapy at a prestigious Gold Coast rehab facility but his progress has come with a high price tag that has the family seeking help.
“He normally gets treated for a week at a time and the sessions cost $100 per hour,” his step-dad said.
The family are hosting a Show and Shine fund-raiser event at the Cranbourne Homemaker Centre from 6pm on Saturday 31 January.
South East Chrome Bumpers, MCV and HQ Holden Cruise Club of Victoria are expected to turn out to the open event to help raise money to support Bodie on his journey to recovery.
“We hope the money can go toward sending Bodie to rehab in Queensland for a month at a time and see what comes of it,” Mr Greenough said.
Funds will also pay for specialised equipment to cater to Bodie’s adjusted lifestyle.
Spectators are asked for a gold coin donation on entry.