I Am Alex
ALEX CLARK
Staying Strong | Awesome Future
Nudgee rugby tragedy:
'It was a freak accident with no rhyme or reason.'
NECK injury victim Alexander Clark smiled, whacked dad in the face with his arm and father Paul could not have been prouder.
It has been moments of progress like that wrapped in a schoolboy sense of humour that has enlivened everyone backing his recovery from a traumatic spinal cord injury.
Alexander, 15, will watch tonight’s Wallabies Test on TV in hospital with mates from the Nudgee College community who have rallied around him.
The young rugby winger’s life changed in an instant on August 4 when he was tackled when diving to score a try in a 15Bs match.
“It was a freak accident with no rhyme or reason and there’s no anger for anyone,” Paul said from his office base in Lae in Papua New Guinea.
“The support from mates and from his school has been wonderful and it truly is one of the big motivating factors in his rehabilitation and therapy.
“I asked him to show me what movement he had in his arms two weeks ago...and he whacked me in the face for one of his practical jokes.
“He’s got a long way to go and we all pray he walks again but no one knows right now.
“In my mind, in his mum’s and in his, he’s going to get there because he does have a mental attitude way beyond his years that we are so proud of.”
Alexander still has little movement in his fingers but can eat a meal on his own.
His arm strength helps when being hoisted into his wheelchair at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.
First XV captains Harry Vella (Nudgee) and Tom Van der Schyff (TSS) visited Alexander in hospital on Thursday.
Last month, in a mass show of support for the injured teen, 1500 Nudgee students gathered on Ross Oval to form the shape of a heart around the words “Be Strong Alex”.
On Saturday 9 March, more than 1,500 Nudgee College community members gathered on Wilkes Oval for a spectacular event, in support of Alex Clark.
Blue for Alex provided the Nudgee College community with the opportunity to dine under the stars and enjoy incredible entertainment, all for a good cause.
The crowd enjoyed outstanding performances by Old Boy Pete Murray (NC 1986-87) and Midnight Groove. Powderfinger bass guitarist John 'JC' Collins even joined Pete on stage for a song.
Old Boy and Nova radio presenter David 'Luttsy' Lutteral (NC 1989-93) emceed, and sporting greats Wally Lewis, Emily Seebohm, Ian Healy, Susie O'Neill, Sam Thaiday and Laura Geitz attended to show their support.
The crowd fell completely silent when a video about Alex's journey so far was played and poet Rupert McCall captivated all in attendance with a poem he had written about Alex.
A spectacular fireworks display capped off the evening.
This event raised a significant sum for the Alexander Clark trust. The generosity of the College community is truly something special.
