Bundaberg water carter Leslie Cullen thanks helpers after shock diagnosis

A Bundaberg water carter who injured himself on the job, suffering not just a broken foot but also triggering the need for double hip replacement surgery, has thanked those who came to his aid when he needed it most.

A Bundaberg water carter left high and dry by injuries sustained on the job has reached out to thank the people who helped his business stay afloat.

Leslie Cullen has serviced the Bundaberg region as a water carter with C&M Water Cartage for years, but a freak incident found himself suffering a black-out while on top of a water tank, 3m above the ground.

It was a busy time, with orders for water coming at all hours.

Mr Cullen doesn't remember what happened, only that he had been on top of the tank one minute and on the ground the next.

He drove himself to Bundaberg, a 58km trip from the town of Rosedale where the incident happened.

Unbeknownst to Mr Cullen, who wouldn't know for weeks to come, he’d smashed the talus bone in his foot.

“I didn't know at that stage it was broken,” he said.

Once he made it to Bundaberg Hospital, he realised he couldn't walk.

X-rays, some Panadol and a moon boot later, Mr Cullen got by for two months before seeing his GP because things hadn't improved, and it was then the full extent of his injuries was revealed and he was sent to Brisbane for urgent surgery.

For six weeks he was out of action, but it wouldn't be the end of Mr Cullen’s challenges.

Years of jumping from the cab of his water truck, coupled with the difficulty of walking with a moon boot for weeks, had damaged his hips and the diagnosis was dire - he would need double hip replacement surgery.

The operation was put on the urgent list, but the wait time blew out, meaning the business owner would be out of action for even longer than expected.

Having no time to train new drivers while dealing with his health issues, Mr Cullen was stuck with a dilemma - how could he operate and keep his business open while recovering from physical injuries that made it impossible for him to get back to the job?

Enter three friends who rained down kindness on Mr Cullen.

Leslie Cullen from C&M Water Cartage has worked hard over the years, but the physical toll of his job has left its mark.

First of all, it was Ian Underhill and Vanessa O‘Reilly, who both took a turn keeping the truck running.

Then, a good mate of Mr Cullen‘s heard the news from way across the ditch and decided it was time to spring into action.

Darren Lewis, a milk tank driver from Christchurch, had a break in his job and decided to book a flight to Australia and man the truck for as many months as he could.

Due to leave for New Zealand Thursday this week, Mr Lewis has spent months taking care of business for Mr Cullen, and playing a little golf on the side, of course.

“He said I‘d helped so many people over the years that he thought he should pay me back,” Mr Cullen said from his home, still recovering from his double hip surgery.

“He said ‘I’ll come over and drive’.”

Mr Cullen isn’t out of the woods yet though - he still faces many weeks of recovery time as his body heals from surgery.

When Mr Lewis returns to New Zealand, he’ll find himself out of action once again.

But for the help he’s received so far, he’s filled with gratitude.

“It’s a thank you to true friends who just know when you need help,” he said.

Mr Cullen had one final warning to workers in trucks, and that is to always use the steps in order to prevent damage to their backs and hips.

Leslie Cullen is usually on the road, delivering water to the region’s thirsty properties.