$6k a big help for injured teen
Casey Calder became a tetraplegic after a horrific high-speed crash on a Wellington motorway but some things have been a little easier since the public rallied behind the 18-year-old.
It’s been eight months since the Upper Hutt teenager jumped in the boot of a friend’s sedan and was left paralysed from the chest down.
His family started a Givealittle page to help with housing and living modifications, last month with a total of $6339 since raised as of yesterday.
The money, alongside ACC funds, has helped to buy mobility tools inside Calder’s home, including a ceiling hoist for getting in and out of bed, and upgrades to the shower. The driveway was next in line for an upgrade so Calder could come and go as he liked.
Calder said the support from family, friends, the community and medical staff had been an enormous help as things had been pretty tough.
‘‘I’m extremely grateful. I wanted to say a huge thank you to those people who donated. It really does help and mean a lot.’’
Calder was particularly blown away by two anonymous donations totalling $4000.
Finally back at home after months in and out of hospital, he said it was nice to be in a familiar environment where it was easier for people to visit. ‘‘It’s always hard re-adjusting but I’m much happier at home.’’
Now his sights are set on purchasing a van, which will need to be adapted into a hand-controlled vehicle. All going to plan, Calder wants to travel both to Palmerston North and Ashburton to visit family.
He has recovered from his latest surgery but said there would still be at least three more he would need over the next few years. ‘‘For my level of injury, my progress is high compared to the average.’’
Calder said he wanted his story to be a positive reminder to others to think twice. ‘‘I never thought it would happen to me.’’
Nineteen-year-old Liam Harrington, the driver in the crash that left Calder injured, was sentenced in Wellington District Court last month.
He was sentenced to six months’ community detention, disqualified from driving for 14 months, and ordered to pay $2000 in reparations.