Andrew Cowley finds purpose through fitness

IN 2016, Five Dock’s Andrew Cowley was hit by a car while riding his bike. He was with two friends and was travelling 100km on a Saturday morning when, past West Ryde, a car turned in front of him.

Andrew had a major bicycle accident in October, 2016 and has been training at Vision Five Dock and has seen great improvement. Picture: Danny Aarons.

IN 2016, Five Dock’s Andrew Cowley was hit by a car while riding his bike.

He was with two friends and was travelling 100km on a Saturday morning when, past West Ryde, a car turned in front of him.

Mr Cowley bounced off the roof of the vehicle and flew through the air.

He doesn’t remember what happened next, but was told he was operated on, on the side of the road.

Andrew had a major bicycle accident in October, 2016. Picture: Danny Aarons.

Mr Cowley suffered a head trauma and was in an induced coma for seven days. He spent four more weeks in hospital and a further three months recovering in Ashfield Private Hospital.

Adjusting back to normal life was difficult as he struggled to come to terms with the reality of his brain injury.

Mr Cowley, 54, fell into a depression and a concerning level of anxiety, which led to weight gain.

One day, the father of three went in to see the team at Vision Five Dock, looking for something to keep him busy.

The team ended up leading Mr Cowley back on the road to recovery.

He has now lost 10kg, is running on the treadmill and has progressed to a range of motions, including dead lifts.

And with the support of his wife and daughters, who also attend the gym, last month he took part in a 5km race with Vision Five Dock to raise money for Beyond Blue. The run and walk was aimed at supporting those living with anxiety and depression.

“It helped a lot from a mental perspective having something to do and a purpose,” Mr Cowley said.

Andrew Cowley with Coach Nick Ellaway at Vision Personal Training Five Dock. Picture: Danny Aarons.

Two years later, he has finally come to terms with what happened.

Mr Cowley said despite all that he had been through, he was keen to get back on a bike again. He plans to jump back on the bike at Centennial Park, where there is grass to fall on.

“They said you need to get back on it for your own mental health,” he said.

He also volunteers at a Five Dock centre that supports disabled adults.

“They are so appreciative of life and they always have a smile,” he said. “It’s only an hour, and it’s the highlight of their week.”