Rugby mates rally Damian Bruce after breaking his neck in family pool
When Damian Bruce jumped in the pool for afternoon swim – like he had 1000 times before – no one could predict how quickly his life would change.
South
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When he jumped into the family pool for an afternoon swim, 44-year-old Damian Bruce never expected to wake up in an ambulance.
Last month, the Aldinga Beach father of four broke his neck jumping into the water and quickly realised he was unable to move his head.
“I jumped in the pool like I have 1000 times but just this one time and I can’t even explain what happened but I hit the bottom of the pool head first,” Mr Bruce said.
“Luckily my wife got home around the same time and she was able to alert the paramedics and I woke up and I was in an ambulance on the Southern Expressway.”
Mr Bruce owns his own paving and landscaping business and is unable to work for up to six months while he recovers.
But his Brighton Rugby Club mates Richard Wasley and Barry Cooper rallied around him and raised more than $27,000 to support their mate and his family.
“This is one of the things I love about rugby,” Mr Bruce said.
“You can play against people and beat each other up for an hour and a half and the minute the whistle goes you’re shaking hands and you’re mates.
“It still brings tears to my eyes, the generosity from my friends and even people that I don’t know.”
After emergency surgery to remove his C7 vertebrae, Mr Bruce spent time on the spinal ward at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Despite his injuries, Mr Bruce was able to start walking again and return home just one week after his surgery.
“Luck plays a massive part, if the break had been a centimetre either way I could’ve been left not able to move my arms or legs,” he said.
“I think I’ve used all my lucky cards up for life.”
To donate to the Bruce family, visit gofundme.com/f/damien-bruce
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