Coma boy reunited with rugby hero
THADDEUS McCarthy, 27, hasn’t allowed a near-fatal road accident of 17 years ago to ruin his dream of becoming a successful businessman.
The tall Wellingtonian has already gained his masters degree in management and is now working in the financial sector.
But at the age of 11, McCarthy was comatose for four weeks after he ran into the path of a fourwheel-drive during an Ohakune Primary School cross-country run in 2000.
McCarthy was placed into a coma due to the traumatic head, chest and brain injuries he sustained.
But as he lay broken and beaten in a Wellington Hospital bed almost two decades ago, McCarthy’s spirits were lifted by a visit from Wellington rugby players Inoke Afeaki, Shane Carter and Dion Waller.
In what was one of McCarthy’s most cherished memories, the trio offered him hope and support in what was a bleak period in the youngster’s life.
This week, muted hospital walls were replaced by a picturesque capital skyline, as Waller was reunited with McCarthy – the pair exchanging warm handshakes and hugs as grown men.
Waller was shocked by the 27-year-old’s imposing 1.96 metre frame – a far cry from the fragile boy he met all those years ago.
‘‘Shit! You should’ve been in the Hurricanes, mate!’’ Waller chuckled. ‘‘He’s a good size to be a lock.’’
Despite not being able to talk at the time of the visit, suffering partial paralysis and a major brain injury, McCarthy still reflected fondly on the occasion.
‘‘My most clear memory from hospital was that memory,’’ he said.
Sports stars regularly visit sick children, but this visit still resonated with Waller, a one-test All Black. ROSS GIBLIN \ FAIRFAX
‘‘The parents were distraught, obviously ... knowing us, me, Inoke and Shane, we would’ve said words like ‘keep fighting, mate, you’re young, you’ve got good help, love’. We were just rugby players, but on days like that, I think we’re a bit more ... ’’
McCarthy’s journey to recovery was difficult, spending time in an Auckland rehabilitation unit as he relearned to walk and carry out everyday tasks.
The accident occurred during a school cross-country event when McCarthy unwittingly ran directly into the path of a fourwheel drive on what was an open road – the driver powerless to stop.
The woman behind the wheel, believed to be from Wellington, was cleared of any wrongdoing.
While McCarthy has never met her, he wanted her to know that he did not hold her responsible for the accident.
He also hoped enough time had passed that she would be open to a meeting.