Flood fundraisers a thank you for past support

When Toowoomba’s Bryan Flemming returned home from the Spinal Injuries Unit 18 months ago, he was overwhelmed with family and community support.

Now, he wants to return the favour. And he’s not short of help, with celebrities including Craig Lowndes, Australian band Amy Meredith and other sporting stars on board for two fantastic fundraisers for the flood appeal.

On Friday, 18 February, Bryan, the Friends of Bryan Inc and a group of supporters will hold a concert at the Indoor Bowls Centre (Annand Street Toowoomba), which rising Australian rock band Amy Meredith will headline. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Groceries and More Convenience Store, Margret Street, Toowoomba.

Amy Meredith’s drummer, Kosta Theodosis, grew up in Toowoomba next door to Bryan and said he and the band were pleased to travel from their Sydney base to his hometown in its time of need.

The following day, OZ-E Kart has kindly donated its track for another fundraiser organised by Bryan – the Bike Binge Flood Appeal. Residents are invited to come along and compete against celebrities including Craig Lowndes, Jared Graves and Jake Dolan, as well as Australian motocross champions, Billy McKenzie and Dean Ferris, and the Kawasaki Motocross Race Team.

For more than 30 years Bryan was connected to the motocross community, having been a sponsored rider and competing in, and placing at, many prestigious events across Australia.

However, in July 2009 while he was preparing to race the Australian Vintage Motocross Championship, Bryan fell from his motorcycle on what he describes as a small jump. He dislocated the C6 vertebrae in his neck and sustained quadriplegia. Home just five months later, Bryan said family, friends and the community rallied around and fundraised for the enormous impact that the injury had on his life, as well as the lives of his wife Julie and daughters Rebecca and Erin.

“Life is challenging with a spinal cord injury but you just have to get on with things, it’s the only way,” Bryan said.

“After the floods tore through Toowoomba I knew I had to do something to raise some money for the people who had lost so much. This city’s been good to me, especially over the past few years, and this is my way of saying thank you.”

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Mark Henley said the tenacity and positive attitude shown by Bryan post-injury was great to see.

“While there’s no question that having a spinal cord injury is traumatic, it’s also not a life sentence filled with hope and despair,” Mark said.

“Bryan shows that using a wheelchair is no impediment to being active and involved in your community and still enjoying life.

“The Spinal Injuries Association is dedicated to assisting and empowering its 2,000 members and clients throughout Queensland to live independently in their community.”

Issued 31 January.