On that Dunedin winter’s day in 1974, everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. When a miscalculated tackle left him paralysed, 15-year-old Richard was moved six times before he finally arrived at a hospital. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive the week. Happily, he rallied and was transferred to the spinal unit at Christchurch Hospital. 

Before long he was back at boarding school, gaining university entrance. He went on to study psychology at the University of Otago and, though access was difficult in those days (it took three years to get a ramp into the registry building), he enjoyed the fullness of student life. He went on to gain his masters at the University of Canterbury and worked for many years in the health sector. In 1993, Richard set up his own business, offering services in career counselling and health consultancy. In 2000, secondary health complications further restricted his movement, prompting him to begin his doctorate part-time in 2006. His research on ageing with spinal cord injuries was credited as being of exceptional quality. In his retirement, Richard continues to give much of his time to non-profit organisations, including the New Zealand Spinal Trust. He’s married to a wonderful woman and takes great pride in having watched his children grow into fine adults. 

Richard counts himself lucky to have fallen under ACC cover just after its inception. The Rugby Foundation was established in part due to a group of injured rugby players talking with the Rugby Union; Richard’s a big believer in the foundation’s work and the support it provides for those who need it.

Article added: Tuesday 08 August 2023