BRYN MURFETT is back on home turf after a tough few months and soaking up the best of the west.
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On Tuesday the 29-year-old got out of the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre in Kew, where he has been recovering after a horror accident in Thailand.
Yesterday he was special guest at the annual Port Fairy race meeting at Warrnambool racecourse.
“I’m just glad to be back home,’’ Mr Murfett said.
He suffered a severely-damaged spinal cord and has no feeling from the waist down after a road accident in Phuket in August.
“We’ll be purchasing a special bicycle with electrodes which can be attached to his leg muscles next week. We think the bicycle will really help Bryn in his rehab.”
His family, friends and workmates at Port Fairy’s Bamstone have launched a fund-raising appeal, which they hope will raise $100,000 for specialised equipment, house alterations and an overseas trip for stem cell treatment.
“It’s just amazing how people have thrown their support behind the appeal,” Mr Murfett said. “It’s all very humbling what people have done.
“I’ve got to do extensive rehabilitation, which will be done at South West Healthcare and at home.
“We’re hopeful of moving into our house before Christmas. The tradespeople have done a sensational job in doing the alterations so quickly.”
Mr Murfett was trackside with his partner Carley Hickman and family members to watch Finley Harper win a race which was named after him and his employer Bamstone.
“Michael Steel, from Bamstone, and my workmates have been sensational with their support. Michael has kept my job as the occupational health and safety officer open for my return,” he said.
“It’s just a relief to know that my job is still there. Having a job is a great thing off my mind. It will allow me to focus on my rehabilitation.”
Mr Steel said Mr Murfett was a loyal, dedicated and hard worker.
“Bryn has worked for us for more than eight years. He’s a great person,’’ Mr Steel said.
“We have to do a couple of alterations to the office but that is no worries.
‘‘We’ve just told him he can start work when he’s ready.’’
Mr Murfett’s brother Rohan, who is the appeal chairman, said the first milestone would be achieved soon.
“We’ll be purchasing a special bicycle with electrodes which can be attached to his leg muscles next week,” Rohan said.
“We think the bicycle will really help Bryn in his rehab.”
An account has been set up at the Bank Of Melbourne and inquiries can be directed to the Australian Unity Office in Liebig Street. Account name: 4BRYN Appeal: BSB 193 879; account number 421940199.
