National Brain Injury Awareness Week At Thornleigh Golf Club
When Kris Tucker experienced a stroke three years ago he thought
his life was over and never in a million years pictured himself
smashing golf balls over a driving range. Next month the Brain
Injury Association of NSW in Epping will celebrate National Brain
Injury Awareness Week with a golf day at Thornleigh Golf Centre. It
may sound like a somewhat abstract connection but golf has changed
Mr Tucker's life. "I used to play golf before my injury,'' Mr
Tucker said. "When I had my stroke I really thought that was the
end.''
During surgery to remove a brain aneurysm, Mr Tucker suffered a
stroke.He thought his life would never return to normal and yet now
through something as simple as golf he feels completely different.
He takes part in an innovative program which gets people with brain
injury to play, using one arm, and a device called ParaGolfer. The
device allows people to stand upright, opens up their shoulder
movements and promotes a natural swing.
"I have been lucky enough to learn to play golf using one arm,''
Mr Tucker said. "I feel so different now. I'm so pleased to be able
to share this experience. It's such an important part of my
recovery. Others down at Thornleigh ask why I can hit the ball so
far and I tell them 'because I'm good'.''
Jonathan Mercer from pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson has
been working with Mr Tucker on organising this upcoming golf day
which will allow people with brain injury to try the ParaGolfer. Mr
Mercer volunteers with the Brain Injury Association of NSW through
his employer's program which encourages staff to use work time to
give back to the community.
"Kris and I are working together and it's been really good,'' Mr
Mercer said.
"I didn't know what to expect but it's great to be involved in
such a great cause.''
The National Brain Injury Awareness Week event will also include
tuition, putt putt, use of automated hitting bays and everyone is
encouraged to Bang on a Beanie - the official way to show your
support for brain injury awareness.
References and further information