Update #1
by Administrator, under General
Dear Triathlon/Cycling Community,
As many of you may know, Michael Forbes was involved in a serious bike accident on 28 June whilst riding by himself in Brighton East. At this stage, the details of the accident remain unclear. He has not been able to fully disclose an account of the accident, due to the nature of his injuries which require support with a breathing tube and ventilator.
Michael has suffered a severe and likely irreversible damage to his cervical spine (neck) which has left him paralysed in both the arms and legs. He underwent surgery on 30 June to help stabilise the region of the injury. As is normally the case with this procedure and situation, he remains in a serious condition in the intensive care unit. Despite his injuries he remains fully conscious, and is communicating through non-verbal means- and even managing to crack the odd gag and a smile.
He and his wife Monica wanted to let everyone know of his progress and thank everyone who has called, texted or visited during the past few days. It’s understandable that we all have questions regarding the ultimate outcome for Michael but, at this early stage, his prognosis is unclear and difficult to accurately predict.
Plans are underway to utilise a webpage to provide ongoing updates and as soon as this is available we will provide a link from this website so that you may follow his progress. He and his family will require much support in the short and long term. If you have any queries or messages for Michael and his family, they can be directed direct to Monica or through CBD (anth@cbdcycles.com.au) or to Sam (schume@yahoo.com) or Mitch (mitch.anderson@optusnet.com.au)
Regards
Sam and Mitch
July 8th, 2008 on 3:43 am
Micheal has been in my thoughts since I have heard of his accident.My thoughts have especially been with his family with whom I can only imagine how they must be feeling.Please pass Dean and my regards and very best wishes for the best recovery possible.Life just is so unfair at times……………
July 8th, 2008 on 2:08 pm
What has happened to Michael is horrendous.
It has blown His, Mon and Ashley’s (their 3 year old daughters) world a part.
Michelle Chung (a very close friend of theirs) and I were talking about ways we can support and help them during this time- especially for when he is out of hospital.
Their house, car -all facilities will need to completely be redone to facilitate wheel chair access.
So, we are researching entering them into ‘backyard blitz’ – even if they do not win one from the TV series, we will look into arranging one for them.
Any suggestions- ideas, anything people might have to suggest good services or how to go about this sort of project, please let me know.
My email is: janeholcombe@bigpond.com
July 14th, 2008 on 9:55 am
Through mutual friend, Bedri,I have learned of Michael’s situation and would like to wish him and his family the very best recovery possible.
July 14th, 2008 on 9:08 pm
Michael’s sister Sally alerted me to Michael’s accident and asked for prayer. The church I go to (Chatswood Presbyterian in Sydney) has been amazing and has cranked up the prayers for Mike, Mon, Ash and the whole family. They have even asked the prayer group at the San Hospital in Sydney to pray as well and Mike is now a regular on their list.
We are praying for God’s blessing on your recovery Mike, for His mighty hand to work miracles, big or small across all things and that you, Mon and Ash would know His peace, which passes all understanding.
July 16th, 2008 on 9:36 am
On behalf of the Board, staff and all of the members of CycleSport Victoria our heartfelt thoughts are with Michael, Monica and his family. We wish Michael the very best outcome and our support at such a very difficult time.
July 23rd, 2008 on 8:43 pm
Hi Mike & Monica, Emma and I just wanted to let you know we’re thinking of you and your family and hope you continue to make good progress in your recovery. Take care.
Marshy.
June 22nd, 2009 on 12:04 pm
Hi Mike
Lorian told me to watch ch 7 on Sunday nite as there was going to be a story about you going to air.Mate I was very impressed with your atitude and your drive and the great progress you have made well done. To your wife what a great support to have. Mate they said in the story there was a centre in Brisse like the one you went to in the States & they had 25 odd people attending it now. I would say after your story that number will go up greatly. Again well done mate and keep up the great work. I am going to Europe next week for the TDF and will be seeing Fred and will tell him of your story. T.p.
July 7th, 2011 on 10:59 am
Thanks for taking a few minutes to line this all out for people like us. This kind of blog post was really helpful in my opinion.