Voice of hope for paralysed rugby league star Kurt Drysdale

DOCTORS told Kurt Drysdale’s parents all their son would ever be able to do was blink after a freak rugby league accident left him paralysed. But his fighting spirit has surprised them all.

IT has been 17 weeks since Kurt Drysdale has been able to speak after a freak accident playing for the Cabramatta Two Blues left the 21-year-old paralysed.

Kurt’s father Steve said his son, who played the position of hooker, had spent a hard four months in Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital, silenced by the hit that paralysed him.

“After his accident the doctors said all he would be able to do was blink. But I know Kurt, and he’s a strong kid, a fighter,” Kurt’s mother Sonya Drysdale said.

Kurt Drysdale and his family were told that due to his extensive injuries he would only be able to blink. Now the 21-year-old is speaking and has feeling back in his legs.

After surgeries to address the damage between his C2 and C5 vertebrae, Kurt underwent a procedure that placed a small balloon in his trachea, allowing him to speak for the first time.

“They said that it could take a long time for him to be able to speak normally after the procedure, but he was able to speak right away,” Mrs Drysdale said.

“The first person Kurt wanted to speak to was his brother Blake. He didn’t believe it was him. He thought he was being pranked and hung up.”

Mrs Drysdale said the breakthrough is also a big step forward for Kurt’s future plans.

“Getting his voice back means he can get involved with people. It gives him something he can control in his life. He can be heard,” Mrs Drysdale said.

Kurt in action with the Cabramatta Two Blues rugby club, who have been supporting him and his family throughout the emotional journey.

She said that the experience was especially emotional given the severity of his injuries.

“To see your son laying there, unable to move, that’s heartbreaking. But I knew that if anyone could get through it, it was Kurt. He was what kept me together,” she said. “He’s just amazing. He’s our inspiration, always with a smile on his face.

“He has tough days, and ups and downs as he keeps coming to terms with what’s happened, but he’s going to keep moving forward and fighting.

“His dad told him that we know it’s sh*t, but you either give up or keep fighting and we’ll all keep fighting with you. Now he’ll keep fighting until he gets to the point where he’ll be able to walk.”

Cabramatta's Kris Keating, Cronulla's Valentine Holmes, Canterbury players Shaun Lane and Michael Liccha, all close friends of Kurt’s, wearing the special 'Unite for Kurt' jerseys. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Kurt will move out of the intensive care unit into acute care this week, helped by acupuncture and his naturopath sister. He aims to go home in 18 months after his family home is renovated to accommodate access needs.

Kurt has six months left of his plumbing apprenticeship, which he is keen to complete, and has hopes to use his experience to become a mentor to younger rugby league players.

“He knows now that anything is possible,” Sonya said.

Kurt’s parents Sonya and Steve and his brother Blake with Cabramatta Two Blues players during the ‘Unite for Kurt’ round at New Era Stadium.

Cabramatta Two Blues chief executive Brad Woodhead offered his support.

“This is great news for Kurt and his family. While Kurt only played for the Two Blues for a short amount of time he is the sort of guy we build our club on,” Mr Woodhead said.

“His progress is just outstanding. He’s meeting and surpassing every milestone set for him. It’s very encouraging and you couldn’t ask for a better outcome at this stage.”