A walk to remember

Cory Crombie has been through more than what most will endure in a lifetime after a BMX accident left him with multiple fractures in his vertebrae.

On December 27, 2017, Cory sustained major spinal injuries while training at Bunbury BMX Club, he had no feeling or movement below his thigh and underwent surgery to stabilise his T12 vertebrae.

Slowly but surely through hours of rehabilitation Cory is now at a point where he can walk and is back at school and ready to take on a new challenge. 

“In hospital I had goals and I kept completing them and then on the day I was discharged I set the goal that six months from now I would walk five kilometres completely unaided,” he said.

“It’s quite a big challenge because originally I was told I would never walk again.

“I was one of the quickest in WA to get out of hospital – I was only in there for three months and I’ve been the quickest to go from fully paralysed to walking.”

Cory's Big Walk will take place on Sunday from 9am at the Bunbury Power Boat Club, to raise much needed funds for the 15 year old’s rehabilitation and will mark six months since he was discharged from hospital. 

Cory said he was hoping to achieve a sense of community through his walk and raise awareness for spinal injuries. 

“I have a lot of nerve pain so basic things like water, wind, long pants, coldness – everything hurts that shouldn’t and lots of things that should hurt don’t,” he said. 

“So I started my own brand – Nerve, we’ve got water bottles, shirts and wrist bands, the money goes towards my therapy and raises awareness.” 

He said he had no plans to go back to competing but looked forward to riding one day. 

Community members of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate whether they can walk 5km around the Leschenault Inlet or just a few steps. 

There will be a free Bouncy Castle, market stalls and a sausage sizzle.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit corycrombie.com.