Media Release   27 November 2009

Stradbroke Island children receive vital messages to help keep them safe these holidays.

Mark has spoken to thousands of children about the danger of risky behaviours such as diving into water before checking its depth, not wearing a seatbelt or playing sports recklessly.

“There is currently no cure for a spinal cord injury – your spinal cord has the consistency of a banana and once it’s damaged, you have to use a wheelchair for life,” Mark said.

“I want to share my story with as many students as possible to prevent them from having a lifelong disability. I’m encouraging the kids I speak to in the next few weeks before school holidays begin, to take even more care than usual this summer as this is the time when the majority of spinal cord injuries occur on the road and in the water.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said doctors often described a spinal cord injury as one of the worst injures you could sustain.

“The effect a spinal cord injury has on the body is colossal. Not only do newly-injured patients have to adjust to using a wheelchair, but their bladder and bowel control, body temperature, internal organs, balance, self confidence and emotional wellbeing are also affected,” Mr Henley said.

“Then there comes the obstacles of trying to return to their home or workplace, school or sporting club; or regular supermarket that may not have adequate access for wheelchairs.”

As a service of the Spinal Injuries Association, SEAT has been operating in Queensland for the past 22 years, with almost 1.3 million children viewing the program in that time.
 

With 15 SEAT presenters based throughout Queensland, by the end of 2009 the team will have spoken to around 85,000 primary and secondary school students.

And thanks to the generous $125,000 sponsorship by Billiton Cannington Mine, the SEAT program is now free until 30 June 2010, for the first time in 20 years.

For more information on SEAT, or to book a free visit in 2010, please go to www.spinal.com.au or email seat@spinal.com.au.

CONTACT

Megan Illmer

Communications Coordinator

(07) 3391 2044 or 0419 777 125

Version: 1
Issued Date: 27/11/2009                                                                                                                                               

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