Stick together to get over ordeal, Russell says

THE bond forged by the 12 young Thai soccer players stuck underground for 18 days can help them through their recovery, Beaconsfield mine survivor Todd Russell says.

Mr Russell and Brandt Webb were trapped underground for nine days in 2006 before rescuers were able to bring them to the surface.

“The good thing about it is there is a group of boys. I was fortunate I had Brandt, and Brandt had me,” Mr Russell told A Current Affair this week.

“The idea is all these guys stick together and as one, it makes them a stronger unit and helps them be aware they can help each other.”

Health experts say the boys may face greater struggles overcoming the mental anguish of their ordeal rather than the physical trauma.

University of Melbourne Associate Professor of child trauma and recovery, Eva Alisic, said the boys may have short-term issues including sleep and concentration problems.

Mr Russell said watching the rescue unfold brought back the trauma of his time spent underground.

“It brings back a lot of memories of how we went through it and how we worked with our rescuers to get us home safely,” he said.

Mr Russell said the Thai cave rescue also had an effect on his family.

“I spoke to my sister and they were saying how emotional it was for them to see the boys reunited with their family.

“Both Brandt and I experienced what the Thai boys have experienced now.

“We were six days before we were found alive ... not knowing one day to the next whether they were coming to rescue us.”