Dear Sharks Family
I wanted to write to personally let you know the happenings of the past few weeks.
Following our game against the Nuggets I returned home for a scheduled family function in Wollongong.
As you know, like many of our team management and several players, I then tested positive for Covid-19 the following day. If that was the start and end of my story, that would be one thing. But unfortunately, we are just getting started.
Towards the end of that week whilst still isolating at home and because I have trouble sitting still, I was on the roof of our home cleaning gutters when I lost grip and started sliding down the roof.
Despite my best efforts and because I’m not as athletic as I once was, I couldn’t stop myself and fell from the second story, a fall of six metres, landing on top of our fence and ending up in our garden plot. I am obviously now going to have to retire the nickname “The Red Panther” and I can also confirm I am never cleaning gutters again!
I have six broken ribs and my scapula (shoulder blade) is broken in three places. Twelve days later, I was discharged from hospital and am now recovering at home.
I am in a world of pain, but I have come to realise just how lucky I am.
I was the talk of the hospital (not just because of my personality and looks) and was continuously told during my stay that any fall greater than three metres is often fatal. To have fallen from twice that height and to be here to write this to you today does put things into perspective.
My recovery process will be painful and slow, but I am fighting hard to get back to New Zealand as soon as I can and finish what we have started this season.
I am so proud of the way Leyton and, before him, Wheels and Connor along with our superstar management team of Honk and Troy, Sproaty, Josie, Tyson and Shane have picked up things in my absence and the full and unflinching support I have received from Jill and the Sharks Board has made a massive difference to me through this emotional and challenging time.
I am continuing to work behind the scenes to help as much as I can, and I know our team is putting in the extra effort to be the best they can be.
My message to them and to you as our wonderful Sharks Family is to enjoy every moment because you never know what’s around the corner.
All my love
Bevo
