Charlotte Gordon on fiancée Johnny Konings’ road to recovery after horror Duranbah, Northern NSW surf wipe-out

The devastated fiancée of a young surfer, paralysed from the waist down after a freak wipe-out on the Qld-NSW border last week, has spoken out on her partner’s brave recovery. See the video.

Gold Coasters Charlotte Gordon and partner Johnny Konings are supposed to be enjoying the engagement celebration of a lifetime.

Instead, Ms Gordon has been by her fiancée’s side around the clock in a Brisbane Hospital during his brave recovery after a freak surfing wipe-out on the Queensland-NSW border last week.

Mr Konings, 31, suffered a broken spine, broken ribs and a collapsed lung after he was speared into a sandbank on his first wave of the session at Duranbah Beach last Tuesday morning at about 9am.

Charlotte Gordon and Johnny Konings. Picture: Supplied / Instagram

Charlotte Gordon and Johnny Konings. Picture: Supplied / Instagram

He was held above the surface by fellow surfers and taken to shore where he was treated at the scene by paramedics before being airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Duranbah is a popular beach break between Coolangatta and Tweed Heads known for its powerful and punchy surf conditions. A solid 1.5 metre swell was hitting the break on Tuesday.

Mr Konings remains in the Brisbane hospital, currently paralysed from the waist down with no sensation.

Ms Gordon wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser for Mr Konings that “life as we knew it has been changed in an instant”.

The loved-up couple were engaged earlier this year. Picture: Supplied / Instagram

“When life gives you lemons, you throw in some lime, salt, a s—t ton of tequila and make a bloody strong margarita,” she added.

“On Tuesday morning, life as we currently knew it changed in an instant. Johnny was in a surfing accident at his favourite Gold Coast surf break D Bar (sic).

“On his first wave of the day, he hit a sand bank and broke his back, bent his spinal cord, broke a few ribs and had a slightly collapsed lung. He was held above the surface and helped into shore by a group of surfers, body boarders and lifeguards who we are eternally grateful for and thank you will truly never be enough.

“He was then treated by a team of paramedics, and airlifted by Westpac rescue helicopter to Brisbane to have surgery and begin what will be the biggest journey of our lives.”

Ms Gordon said Mr Konings’ surgery “went really well and everything is back where it’s supposed to be”.

Ms Gordon has not left Mr Konings’ side during his hospital stay. Picture: Supplied / Instagram

“He is currently paralysed from the waist down with no sensation, we remain incredibly positive and are going to throw everything we possibly can at this. Day by day those that know Johnny know he doesn’t give up easy.”

Ms Gordon said Mr Konings had a “long road ahead but he’s alive”.

“His sense of humour is still intact and there’s a lot of positivity coming from this hospital ward,” she wrote.

“Big love, thank you for the thoughts, messages and prayers.”

On Instagram, Ms Gordon posted a video of the couple celebrating an engagement party at the hospital at the weekend, with a caption reading: “Day 4: We were supposed to be in NZ tonight celebrating our engagement with friends and family – not quite how we imagined celebrating, but incredibly special all the same.”

“More time in the (wheel) chair today, more time outside, more baby steps progress and new visitors coming to see us.”

The pair were engaged on a snow trip on January 30 this year, with Ms Gordon calling it “the happiest day of our lives, surrounded by family in the most magical place”.

The GoFundMe for Mr Konings has amassed close to $11,000 towards its $100,000 goal.

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