National Carers Week: Narelle Hawkins cares for son Todd after tragic motorcycle crash

A mum has described the day her life changed forever, just moments after her son pulled out of their driveway on his motorcycle. Read her inspiring story.

About 12 years ago, Narelle Hawkins’ son pulled out of their Panania driveway on his motorcycle and just metres down the road was involved in a horrific crash.

Todd, who had just turned 30, would be in a coma for weeks, and would need to stay in hospital for eight months in total after he was left with a severe brain injury.

“He came home and just like that we became carers,” Ms Hawkins said.

“We had no idea what it would mean because brain injuries are so different and at first when he woke up, we thought he would completely recover, but he didn’t.

Narelle Hawkins with her son Todd.

“The brain injury has impacted his cognitive functioning.”

The family now live in Thirlmere and Ms Hawkins said no two days were the same as a carer. A lot of the daily tasks include medical appointments, supervising Todd’s medication and keeping him company.

“We’ve achieved some incredible milestones since Todd first came out of hospital,” Ms Hawkins said.

“We were told ‘what you see is what you’re probably going to get’ but he’s improved so much since then and come so far. We’re really proud of him.”

When asked about what life’s like as a carer, Ms Hawkins is honest. She said it was not always easy, and some days were always going to be harder than others.

Narelle Hawkins.

“I don’t know how I did it, but I did. And I did it without even thinking about it,” she said.

“And I think that’s what you do when something traumatic happens in your life. You go into auto drive, and you just do what you need to do.”

But the toughest aspect for Ms Hawkins had been seeing how drastically her son’s life changed.

“The one that hits him the most is that most people left him. He has gone from being an outgoing, friendly person to not having his friends,” Ms Hawkins said.

“It’s heartbreaking because there is so much more to Todd than what people see.”

While it’s a full-time role that Ms Hawkins never expected to take on, she said there was never any doubt she would care for her son.

“There are a lot of things that make caring worthwhile,” she said.

Narelle Hawkins has spoken about her life as a carer. Picture: Annie Lewis

“When I see Todd smile that’s worth more than gold. Because my biggest priority is to see him happy.

“I know living here with us, he feels safe. He feels secure. And that’s of the utmost importance.”

National Carers Week runs until October 22 and Ms Hawkins said she had two messages to share with the community.

“Be kind and respectful to people. It doesn’t take much,” Ms Hawkins said.

“You never know what someone is going through, so please be kind.”

Ms Hawkins’ second message is for the thousands of carers across the country who do not get recognition or sometimes even appreciation for their hard work.

“Keep plugging away. It’s hard. I know it’s hard, but you’ve got to keep advocating for the one you love,” she said.

“You’re all they have. And pat yourself on the back because you’re doing a great job and there really aren’t many people in this world that can do what we do.”

If you’re a carer and looking for support, visit www.carergateway.gov.au or phone [phone].