Mountain bike rider Warrick “Waz” Bidwell critically ill after ‘doing what he loved’
A much loved mountain bike rider is critically ill after a serious incident in Maydena but his friends and family are rallying to support a “selfless” person. How you can help.
Tasmania
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Family and friends are rallying around Warrick “Waz” Bidwell, a mountain bike rider described as “selfless and always putting others first”, who is in a critical condition in hospital.
His wife Amie said her husband was in a serious incident at Maydena last Saturday “doing what he loved” and was airlifted to Hobart.
She said he remains in a critical condition, in an induced coma on life support, in the intensive care unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
“His road to recovery is unclear, as an occupational therapist, I know it will be long journey for him and us as his family,” Mrs Bidwell said.
“Waz has touched the hearts and influenced the lives of so many people in so many ways.
“He is selfless, loyal, funny, capable, deeply loving and respectful, disciplined and dedicated, creative and innovative, and always puts others before himself.
“Now is the time where he needs us all the most.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Mr Bidwell access “the best supports to give him the best chance of recovery”.
Mrs Bidwell said her husband had undergone emergency surgeries.
“True to his character, he’s fighting hard, but the road ahead is uncertain,” she wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“His chance of survival was less than 6 per cent and we also know that ‘survival’ is not the same as being able to function as he used to.”
The family said it had been “a deeply emotional time for everyone”, including Amie, his 14 month old son Jack, daughter Grace, 13, his mother and brother and countless friends and family.
“While the full scope of what lies ahead is still unfolding, one thing is certain: no one should face this journey alone.
“As friends, family, and fellow mountain bikers, we’re rallying to support Waz and his loved ones.
“Our goal is to provide them with the time and resources to focus on what matters most — each other and to have the resources to get Waz back to his vibrant, energetic and inspiring self in every way possible as soon as possible.
“Funds raised will go directly to Warrick’s family to help with significant medical and rehabilitation costs during what will undoubtedly be a long and challenging journey.”
The Maydena Bike Park also posted on social media about the medical incident during last weekend’s Enduro Jam.
“The MBP Patrol Team, were on scene within 2min of receiving an emergency call. Upon arrival at the scene, the rider was found to be in cardiac arrest,” they said.
“The Patrol Team immediately commenced CPR, along with further medical interventions.
“The Patrol Team (including specialist emergency physicians, paramedics, and nurses) were able to stabilise the rider on scene in a remote wilderness setting, before extrication and hand over to the aeromedical team for helicopter transport.”
The Maydena Bike Park encouraged people to support the GoFundMe.
To donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-warrick-bidwells-rehabilitation
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