Luke Stojanovic donates $76,000 to Liverpool Hospital’s brain injury unit

FOUR years after almost dying from a motocross accident, Luke Stojanovic visited the place where he spent many months recovering. He came back to donate thousands of dollars and help others.

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LUKE Stojanovic should have died four years ago from a motocross accident.

But, like every moment in his life, his family said he “showed heart”.

He spent nine months in the Liverpool Hospital brain injury rehabilitation unit getting stronger and better.

But the space lacked something.

When he was better, he decided to ride a recumbent trike from Nowra to Liverpool.

On this journey last year he raised $76,000. He wanted the money to go to the unit for equipment.

“I want to make it easier for people with a brain injury,” Mr Stojanovic said.

Luke Stojanovic meets some of the hospital’s brain injury rehabilitation unit. Picture: Tim Clapin

He visited the unit earlier this month during Brain Injury Awareness Week to see how the money had been spent. And he was overjoyed.

The hospital had been able to install ceiling hoists for standing and walking, parallel bars, an upright exercise bike, patient tables and large mirrors.

His mum Kim said his only request was to spend the money on items that would help patients get up and walking sooner.

Luke Stojanovic on his 180km journey to raise money for the Liverpool Hospital.

Luke arriving after his 180km bike ride from Nowra to Liverpool Hospital last year. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

“To see what it looks like from when Luke was here to now is amazing,” she said.

Emilija Puric spent time with Luke when he was in the brain injury unit and said he was a real joker from the start.

“Even when he couldn’t talk he would use sign language to communicate and smile,” she said.

Luke walks the line for the first time in the Liverpool Hospital brain injury rehabilitation unit. Picture: Tim Clapin

Physiotherapist Ashley Rabie tries out the equipment that Luke Stojanovic’s donation helped buy. Picture: Tim Clapin

Brain injury rehabilitation unit director Adeline Hodgkinson said the equipment would support continued strength and flexibility training to improve patient recovery.

“Luke has overcome many hurdles since his accident but is now an inspiration to other patients who are undergoing a similar recovery,” Dr Hodgkinson said.

Luke started riding a motorbike as a youngster.

Luke Stojanovic as a teenager with his motocross bike.

“True to his legacy, Luke will leave his mark on the brain injury unit through the donation that has bought our unit ceiling hoists for standing and walking, parallel bars, an upright exercise bike, patient tables and large mirrors.

“Having the right equipment is vital with assisting our patients’ rehabilitation, maintaining their physical health and to increase strength and active movement.”

Luke during his recovery in Liverpool Hospital.