JAMES just seems a little brighter after a day surfing and being in the water.
Those are the words from South West mother Cindy Murray whose son James benefits from volunteer organisation the Disabled Surfers Association.
James was 24 when a car accident left him with complete brain and physical damage.
Before the crash, he lived to surf.
“Surfing was his passion, it was almost impossible to keep him out of the water,” Mrs Murray said.
“He would go on surf trips with his mates and be out in the ocean for hours at a time.”
Now unable to move without assistance, James has found a way to get back in the water with the help of the Disabled Surfers Association.
Volunteers line the sand as James is strapped to a board and helped through the surf.
Mrs Murray said James seems happier after a morning spent in the ocean.
“We can’t tell for sure, but the aura around James always seems better after a surf,” she said.
“The organisation has been wonderful for us and we’re really thankful for it.”
Disabled surfing events have been taking place at Bunker Bay for almost a decade, but Mrs Murray said more volunteers are always needed.
“The work they do at the organisation is wonderful, but more volunteers are needed to help the events run,” she said.
“It’s a really good opportunity for kids in school who need to complete a certain amount of volunteer hours in the community.”
To volunteer, contact the Disabled Surfers Association South West Facebook page.