Cruise for Cam
Everything changed for Cam and his partner Merryn in February this year, when Cam (32) had an accident in the Cardrona Valley while riding his motorbike to work in Queenstown. A misjudged corner became a life-changing moment, breaking his back at the T6 vertebrae. Cam was instantly paralysed.
He was flown to Christchurch, where he spent four months recovering at Burwood Spinal Unit, learning how to live in a paralysed body and adjust to using a wheelchair. They finally returned home last month.
Cam loves to live life to the fullest (like most people in our area!). He works for RealNZ and loves skiing more than anything in the world. He’s embracing his recovery with his signature “golden retriever energy” - remaining positive, optimistic and believing in the possibility that he can fully heal.
It’s been a massively eye-opening experience. A spinal cord injury is so much more than not being able to walk. It impacts life in so many facets.
To give himself the best shot possible, the goal is to attend specialist spinal cord rehab. Cam’s been accepted into Making Strides on the Gold Coast, a specialist neurological and spinal cord injury rehabilitation centre.
Cam’s goal is to spend an intensive period of time working with the team as much as possible (three to five times a week, for at least six months), with a goal of rebuilding neural pathways and recovering fully.
None of this is covered by ACC and the couple will need to fund it. Rehab fees, accommodation, travel, all of it sits outside the NZ system. It’s a significant investment to attend a specialist clinic, but Cam believes in giving it all he’s got.
They’ve organised an incredible event on 5 September: Cruise for Cam, raising funds to support Cam’s goal.
This incredible night includes a trip on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a gourmet BBQ dinner.
Every ticket to this event goes directly towards supporting Cam on his rehabilitation journey. A huge thanks goes to RealNZ for their support in making this event happen.
Join Cam for the cruise, enjoy an incredible meal, and help his recovery. There’ll be entertainment, prizes, auctions, and it’s a great chance to connect with the local community (it’s a private function).
There will be some incredible experiences up for auction on the night, from businesses including Glenorchy Air, Altitude Tours, Wanaka River Journeys and Hanmer Springs Resort & Spa.
Head to cammitchell.co.nz/events/cruise-for-cam-walter-peak-gourmet-bbq for more information and to grab tickets.
