Tweed dad Milky (Jiah) Summerall fighting quadriplegia after shock fall at The Raw Challenge Gold Coast obstacle course accident
A Tweed footballer who broke his neck in a fall at a Gold Coast obstacle course will likely remain in hospital for a year – but he’s pushing hard to get back to work and on the field.
Regional News
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A Tweed Shire father has been told he now has quadriplegia after he broke his neck during a horrific accident at a Gold Coast obstacle course.
Murwillumbah footballer and carpenter Milky (Jiah) Summerall and mates were at The Raw Challenge in the Numinbah Valley on October 22.
Mr Summerall suffered a nasty fall on the first obstacle and broke his neck
He was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where had underwent major spinal surgeries.
Mr Summerall enjoyed an active lifestyle training crossfit five times a week, playing soccer for the Murwillumbah Football Club and keeping up with three energetic kids.
Sadly, he remains in hospital and is expected to stay there for the next year, undergoing rehabilitation.
Quadriplegia – the paralysis of all limbs – can be a temporary condition in some cases.
Mr Summerall’s wife Jodie Summerall, 31, said she is doing her best during the tough time.
She visits on weekends while taking care of their three children aged two, four and eight during the week.
Mrs Summerall said she had to stay strong for her children and do her best to cope while her husband was in hospital.
“We’ve had lots of support, which is what has helped me get through … ,” she said.
“After the accident Milky couldn’t feel anything from the waist down and didn’t have much mobility of his arms.
“A few days later, he woke up in ICU and started to get a little bit more feeling back in his feet, knees, arms and legs, but he describes it as quite a numb feeling.”
Ms Summerall said the surgeon was hoping for a significant recovery, but it’s touch and go at the moment.
“My husband is aiming for that and is very determined to get that (a full recovery) but we just don’t know,” Mrs Summerall said.
Owner Mick Spittle said The Raw Challenge was passionate about making sure participants were kept safe.
“Any injury is upsetting,” he said.
“The contracted on-site paramedics team performed their duties with the utmost of professionalism and assisted in making sure Jiah was safe and comfortable while they waited for the paramedics.
“The team at Raw Challenge wish him a speedy recovery and is really looking forward to seeing Jiah back again at Raw.”
The Summeralls do not hold any ill will toward The Raw Challenge.
“The Raw Challenge has messaged me numerous times to check in, they set this up for people to go along and have fun and do the obstacle and (they) have never seen anything like this before, so it’s hit them hard as well,” Mrs Summerall said.
“They’ve been an amazing support and helped a lot on the day … ”
Mr Summerall is the family’s main financial provider and his wife said it’s been tough to see him unable to do what he loves.
A GoFundMe fundraiser set up by family friend Samantha Morrin has raised more than $18,000.
Ms Summerall said her and her family were beyond thankful.
“I feel really grateful, quite emotional and I think everyone helping us out is amazing,” she said.
“It’s great how a community can get together in a time of need. Without the community, it would be very hard.”
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