Lee Ferrier – Great Strength and Determination
On 18 April 2015, Lee Ferrier was seriously injured in a horrific motor cycle accident in Narrabeen, Sydney and was rushed to the Royal North Shore Hospital for emergency surgery. His critical injuries included a crushed vertebrae, severed spinal cord,T2 high level paralysis, punctured lung, fractured ribs and sternum and fractured shoulder blade. The extent of his injuries sadly rendered Lee a paraplegic. In most cases these injuries would normally break the spirits of the majority of people but not Lee Ferrier who immediately vowed and declared that he would overcome his injuries and would rebuild his life with his loving partner Rozina and their sons Nikola (13) and Jett (4).
(Left to Right, Back row: Ben Ross, Fred Jackson, Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey. Front row: Lee Ferrier, Rozina Begecki)
The Ferrier’s are a well respected family in the sporting community. They are avid members and supporters of the Narrabeen Sharks JRL Football Club, where son Nikola plays in the Under 13’s team. The Men of League were alerted to Lee’s accident by Toni Couper of the Narrabeen Sharks JRL Football Club, resulting in Northern Sydney Welfare Officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey first meeting Lee and Rozina on the 29 April 2015 at the RNS Hospital, which coincidentally was the first day he was able to sit up in his wheelchair and they were blown away by Lee’s attitude and determination to overcome his life changing predicament.
From that time on he enthusiastically became involved in his rehabilitation treatment at the RNS Hospital and in what seemed no time at all he had advanced to a level of recovery and was transferred to the excellent Royal Rehab Centre, Putney for more specialised rehabilitation treatment. He continued to undertake his treatment with extreme zest and determination at the Royal Rehab and in no time at all was able to undertake motor vehicle driving lessons and participate in in-house sporting activities like tennis and basketball.
Each time Norm Pounder, Ken Vessey and Fred Jackson visited Lee at the RNS Hospital and then the Royal Rehab they were amazed at the rate of improvement Lee showed and it was not surprising that on the 11 September 2015 he was discharged and returned home to be with Rozina, Nikola and Jett. Since returning home Lee has successfully passed a driver’s licence test on his first attempt, which in itself is remarkable.
On the 24 October 2015, Lee and Rozina were guests of the Men of League Foundation at the Cox Plate Race Day Function at Royal Randwick and had a most enjoyable afternoon. During the afternoon Ben Ross interviewed Lee about his experiences in the last six months and he amazed all those present with his story of sheer guts and determination.
Obviously in coming years, with the need for ongoing rehabilitation and care combined with increased living costs, an ongoing financial burden will be ever present. In an effort to assist in these financial needs the local community have successfully joined forces in raising some much needed funds for now and in the future. These fund raising activities throughout the Manly Warringah District have been driven and supported by local sporting bodies, including the Narrabeen Sharks Club, local Clubs/Pubs, commerce organisations, local businesses and members of the public.
The Men of League Foundation has proudly played a part in these fundraising activities by donating memorabilia items and through the Grant Application Scheme by providing financial support for living costs. The Men of League Foundation will continue to provide ongoing support on a needs basis.
Lee and Rozina have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from their friends, numerous organisations and members of the community. They are especially appreciative of the care and support being provided by the Men of League Foundation.
