Ipswich mum’s inspiring story after surviving being hit by a truck while riding her motorcycle

After a near death motorbike crash left an Ipswich mum unable to resume work, her life was turned upside down. What she did next will leave you in tears.

A deadly motorbike crash that left an Ipswich mum unable to resume work has inspired her to help others in their time of need.

Paulien Robinson, 49, was left with a traumatic brain injury and multiple bone fractures after she was hit by a truck while riding her motorcycle on Brisbane’s Gateway Motorway three years ago.

She spent nine weeks in hospital recovering and another two years in rehabilitation, only to be told her brain would never fully recover.

“I was devastated,” Ms Robinson said.

“The neurologist made me TDP which is Total Permanent Disability, so I’m not medically cleared to go back to work or drive.

“I still suffer from quite significant vertigo and central brain dizziness”.

A motorbike crash left an Ipswich woman Paulien Robinson with a brain injury and unable to continue work. She has since been inspired to give back to others in their time of need. Picture: Patrick Woods

Ms Robinson said she was hesitant when her occupational therapist suggested she should try volunteer work, but now believes she has found her calling.

“I smile when I get up every day now,” she said.

“It’s a way you feel like you’re still contributing to society.”

With real life experience in the challenges of recovering from injury, Ms Robinson now volunteers at the Mater Private Hospital on Healthcare Dr, Springfield to comfort and bring joy to cancer patients.

“It is so fulfilling and meaningful, to just see patients smile,” she said.

“Somebody could be having their toughest day undergoing cancer treatment, and just giving them a foot massage or (having) a five minute conversation is just so rewarding to see them not be so worried.”

Craig Faninges about to receive a foot massage from volunteer Paulien Robinson. Ms Robinson survived being hit by a truck while riding a motorbike but the injuries left her with a brain injury and unable to return to work, but she has found joy in volunteering at a hospital. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mater Senior Manager of Volunteers Judy Johnson said Ms Robinson’s volunteering role may be a world away from her former career at Queensland Rail as a security risk and education advisor, but she was making a meaningful impact.

“Volunteers can engage one-on-one with patients by simply having a chat or helping them with a practical need,” she said.

“It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to give your time to help other people.”

Ms Robinson encouraged everyone to try volunteer work at some stage in their life.

For more information about volunteering at the Mater visit mater.org.au