Boots out for Ben: Waikiki teen on the road to recovery after motorcycle accident

WAIKIKI 16-year-old Ben Sainsbury faces a long road to recovery after a serious motorcycle accident earlier this month.

Ben was training for the final Sate motorcross round in Henderson.

During his warm-up laps he was sent over the handlebars, landing head first, with his back taking the impact of his motorbike.

Despite wearing the best safety gear, Ben sustained broken ribs, a torn spleen and serious spinal cord damage.

The RAC helicopter was called and Ben was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where he underwent surgery to insert two rods to stabilise his vertebrae.

He spent five days in ICU in a critical condition, after which he was moved to the to the spinal ward.

Ben is now recovering at Fiona Stanley hospital.

Due to Ben’s injuries, he has no feeling from his chest down and requires intensive therapy.

Depending on his recovery, Ben is not scheduled to go home until the end of December.

Before the motorcycle crash, Ben was looking forward to finishing his first year of his electrical pre-apprenticeship and was looking forward to entering the work force.

Ben’s friend Trent Shaw said Ben was always willing to help anyone anytime.

“Although he is only 16, he is mature beyond his years, smart, intelligent and hard working,” Trent said.

A Boots out for Ben Facebeook page has been set up to keep family and friends up to date with his progress.

Ben’s sister Cassie Strebel said an online auction was being set up so people could bid on items.

Funds raised would go towards the cost of Ben’s rehabilitation, a new vehicle and house modifications.

Any businesses or individuals with items to donate can get in touch through the Facebook page.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up, with more than $30,000 raised.

Visit www.gofundme.com/supporting-bens-road-to-recovery.