Steve’s setback inspires him to race again

Bundaberg’s Steve Richter has recently returned to his favourite past time of cycling, a major milestone as just 10 months ago he sustained a spinal cord injury and now uses a wheelchair.Steve is currently training for the MS Brissie to the Bay, a 50 kilometre hand cycling race he plans on completing with around 10 other people who also have a spinal cord injury.

Riding his motorbike on Fraser Island last June, Steve crashed and fell over the handlebars, sustaining his injury at the T7 level, which means he has paraplegia.

The next six months for Steve were filled with recovering in the Spinal Unit at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, before arriving home just in time to spend Christmas with his wife Fiona and daughter Lauren, 2.

Many Bundaberg residents would know Steve from his photography business, Palace Photographers, which he ran for more than 11 years.

Since his accident Steve has sold his business, but recently ventured behind the camera again when he took photos at several weddings of friends.

“Obviously it’s a lot different taking photos from a wheelchair and I’m not sure it’s something that I could do full-time again as it’s more difficult,” Steve said.

“However, I’m feeling positive and thinking about finding a job either teaching photography or Photoshop skills.”

While in the Spinal Unit, Steve was regularly visited by Spinal Injuries Association Peer Support Officer Peter Harre.

Peter sustained a spinal cord injury more than 20 years ago and his role at the Association is to visit newly-injured patients to give them both practical advice and someone to talk to who has been through a similar experience.

“Because my injury was a while ago, I also provide some hope and motivation to patients that they can return to work or to their former hobbies,” Peter said.

“I found out that Steve had been a keen cyclist before, so I gave him some information about hand cycling.”

A hand cyclist himself, Peter organised and went with Steve on his first cycle post-accident. Peter will be completing the MS Brissie to the Bay with Steve.

“I used to do about 350 kilometres of social riding, including road racing in winter and criterion track racing in summer, each week,” Steve said.

“Being able to return to what used to be such a big part of my life before the accident has been fantastic.

“Peter’s assistance inspired me and made me realise my life isn’t over just because I’ve had this injury.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said the organisation was dedicated to assisting and empowering its members such as Steve, to return to their communities, jobs and hobbies.

“Having a spinal cord injury is an enormous physical challenge, but with support from our Association from injury to independence, we are able to get our members back living at home with their families and in time, we assist them with returning to work or study or exploring new interests,” Mr Henley said.

The Spinal Injuries Association was formed in 1960 and has 1,500 members throughout Queensland. For more information please visit www.spinal.com.au.

Issued 23 April.