Andy Simson has wheelchair stolen after boating accident

A Townsville boy who survived a freak boating accident on Magnetic Island has been left without his wheelchair after it was stolen.

Andy Simson, 7, who is recovering from a boating accident, shows off his Lego skills at a new purpose build long stay recovery unit, new facilities at Ronald McDonald House. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

A TOWNSVILLE boy who survived a freak boating accident on Magnetic Island, almost amputating his leg, has had his wheelchair stolen.

Andy Simson, 7, was struck by a boat propeller in April after falling from a turning boat in Horseshoe Bay, and was flown to Townsville University Hospital after first responders including his mother Cecilia, an obstetrician, applied crucial first aid.

Andy suffered serious injuries including a fracture of his femur and severe leg cuts, and after it was discovered he suffered damage to nerves in his leg,

The injuries were so severe, Andy and his family had to transfer to Brisbane to receive specialist treatment.

Andy Simson, 7, who is recovering from a boating accident, shows off his Lego skills at a new purpose build long stay recovery unit, new facilities at Ronald McDonald House. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Now back in Townsville, Andy is expected to make a full recovery when he completes his rehabilitation, which remains long and challenging.

But his journey took a heartbreaking turn after the wheelchair was stolen between Friday evening last week and Sunday morning.

Andy’s father Charles had parked his car in Howitt St, North Ward on Friday about 6.30pm to register for the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim, which he swam as part of a relay on Saturday.

Mr Simson says he either accidentally left the wheelchair outside his car on Friday in Howitt St, where it could have been taken, or it was removed from his car from the Townsville Ferry Terminal car park or the nearby boat ramp over the weekend.

The wheelchair is now rarely used at home, which is why Mr Sims didn’t notice if it had been already taken.

“We’re hoping it will turn up. I couldn’t have been away from the car for more than 15 minutes when I was parked at Howitt St, and I’m pretty accurate with my timing,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to some residents on the street and they didn’t see it. I’ve looked around the area for hours.

“It’s surprising it hasn’t been found. Maybe someone took it for a short play and dumped it somewhere.”

Andy Simons has had his wheelchair stolen.

He then parked his car at the boat ramp for his Magnetic Island to Townsville swim, and then later parked it at the ferry terminal for an overnight function on the island, returning to his car on Sunday morning.

Mr Simson said it was possible the wheelchair was taken from his car.

“I got into the car when I got back from Maggie … I saw it was gone,” he said.

“It was a big shock. You never expect these things to happen.”

The rental wheelchair has a clearly marked phone number and the name of the company, making it simple for anyone who has the wheelchair to return it.

Mr Simson has already registered the incident with local police and notified Townsville City Council.

Friends have also trawled through social media.

“We have done all those steps to try and find it, but it’s been a week now, Mr Simson said.

“This is really a last resort to try and get it back.”

Andy has advanced to a stage of his rehabilitation where he can often move around the house without the wheelchair, but it remains a crucial part of his recovery.

“He’s doing really well, he’s meeting best expectations,” Mr Simson said.

“He still uses crutches for walking long distances and he does swimming and a lot of other things with his rehab.

“But it’s important we don’t push him too hard and we don’t want to overtire him, and that’s where the wheelchair comes in.

“He’s never whinged or complained, he has such a good spirit.”

Originally published as Andy Simson has wheelchair stolen after boating accident