Friends rally for Bronte

By Sarah Schwager
FRIENDS of a Pearcedale man who was paralysed in a motocross accident are desperately trying to raise money to help his recovery.
Motocross rider Bronte Holland, 19, was training at his property on 13 February when he was seriously injured, breaking several vertebrae and bruising his spinal cord, leaving him without feeling from the chest down.
He is now at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre preparing for his return home next month.
Friend Adam Bailey said Southside Promotions, where he works, was organising the fundraising event in Cranbourne along with other friends, fans and sponsors to help raise the $100,000 needed to prepare Bronte’s home and car for wheelchair access and to pay his medical expenses.
“Because Bronte was practising on a private track with an unregistered competition bike, he is not eligible to TAC (Traffic Accident Commission) support or any insurance whatsoever,” Mr Bailey said.
“We just really wanted to help. We have organised the event for 20 July, a week after he gets home and we will be auctioning off motocross memorabilia.
“But we really need to get some corporate support if we’re going to raise all that money.”
When the accident happened, Bronte was training for this year’s Australian Supercross Championships.
He was a serious contender for last year’s motocross and supercross nationals, consistently placing in the top five week in, week out.
“As racers, spinal injuries are constantly on our minds,” Mr Bailey said.
“Seeing Bronte tackle his latest obstacle with the determination that he has is nothing short of inspirational.”
Mr Bailey said his friend was doing really well with his recovery so far.
“His spirits are good and he is making good progress,” he said. “He has some changes in his body but he is still a long way from being able to walk again. But he is a pretty determined sort of fellow.”
Bronte said he was looking forward to getting out of hospital and catching up with everyone again.
“More than anything I can’t wait for the night to see everyone in one place again,” he said.
“I’ve had so much support from everyone. On this night, I’ll have the chance to thank everyone face to face.”
The fundraising event aims to bring corporate Australia, the motocross industry, local business and close friends of Bronte’s together to raise money to help give him the best opportunity possible to prepare for life outside of rehab and eventually get back on his feet again.
On the night there will be finger food, beer and wine provided as well as a DJ.
There will also be memorabilia for auction including jerseys, goggles and riding gear from international and Australian motocross and FMX heroes, as well as a brand new GYTR kitted TTR50 up for grabs from Yamaha Australia.
Tickets cost $35 with all proceeds going directly to Bronte. The night will kick off at 7.30pm at the Cranbourne Racecourse. For more details and bookings call Adam on 0412 686 148 or email adam@sincs99.com.