Boot camp raises funds for Gold Coast dad left paralysed after freak surfing accident

ALMOST four months since Robert Croll was left paralysed from the neck down in a freak surfing accident, the Gold Coast dad is able to hug his kids again.

Katie Croll spoke about her husband’s progress at Broadbeach. Photo: David Clark.

ALMOST four months since Robert Croll was left paralysed from the neck down in a freak surfing accident, the Gold Coast dad is now able to hug his two young children again.

The 34-year-old plumber fell from his surfboard and landed head first in the sand while on a family trip to the beach at Kirra in February.

He broke his neck and was unable to move his body from the neck down, with doctors warning he was unlikely to walk again.

Yesterday more than 50 Gold Coasters pushed themselves to the limit in a boot camp to raise funds for Mr Croll’s recovery.

Robert Croll ('Robbo') pictured with his wife Katie and two young boys Rafe and Bowie.

His wife, Katie, said her husband was in good spirits and was now able to use his arms to hug his children.

“He’s gone from somebody just sort of lying in bed and only moving his neck to moving his arms, sitting up and pushing himself in a manual wheelchair,” she said.

“We didn’t think he’d be able to do that in such a short time but it is definitely a long road to recovery.

“He was down for a long time but I think the support from everybody out there and his family keeps him going.”

She said the funds raised would go towards physiotherapy costs once her husband was discharged from the spinal ward unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in late July.

“All the money is helping Robbie’s recovery and future,” she said.

A boot camp was held at Broadbeach this morning to raise funds for Robert "Robbo" Croll who was badly injured in a freak surfing accident. Photo: David Clark

“It’s incredible and I can’t thank you all enough – everybody’s been so generous.”

Family friend Nicole Gemmell said she decided to organise the fundraiser after the accident “rocked her world”.

“For me, it also raises awareness that this kind of stuff can happen to anyone,” she said.

“For a 34-year-old guy to wake up paralysed, it really rocked my world.

She said the community support behind the fundraiser gave her “warm and fuzzies” – with more than $3000 raised for the family yesterday.

The fundraising efforts will continue through an online auction, with prizes including a signed Broncos and Gold Coast Suns jersey.

To put in a bid and support the fundraiser, visit www.32auctions.com/robbo