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Giving back – James’ story

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Today we’re delighted to highlight James Dyer, who after sustaining a spinal injury in 2017, worked with Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust in his rehabilitation, and now leads cooking groups based at Ilam Road! 

Prior to his injury, James trained at CPIT, now Ara, and enjoyed his career in hospitality as a chef. Then, in late 2017 he had a motor vehicle accident, fracturing his neck, breaking his back, and severing his spinal cord. He sustained a T6 spinal cord injury, placing a halt to his career. His injury caused a loss of sensation from the chest down, and caused issues with his core stability. 

After a six month stay at Burwood Hospital, James immediately began work with LFBIT. This involved physiotherapy, where James worked hard at the gym, and trained his wheelchair control, and learned to transfer in and out of his chair. 

Moving into a new accessible home, James had an occupational therapist visit to oversee the installation a few things to support his independence. This included items such as a shower bench, and a lazy Susan in cupboards to keep everything in reach.  

Most essential for James was his wheelchair and seating support, with even the seemingly smallest adjustments being incredibly valuable for his physical wellbeing.  

“The adjustments that we made last time to the chair made me realise that the entire time I’d just been sitting in my chair wrong,” says James. “It was a twist of a bolt and a slight tweak of back press, and it was like ‘oh, okay. That feels better!”

While James’ initial support from LFBIT is complete, he values having access to specialists when needed. “I can call up at any time and basically ask for adjustments or anything like that, just a phone call away, which is bloody good.” 

“It is so important for the seat to feel right, so paramount to a happy life. It’s just a small adjustment that ends up improving massive levels of comfort.”

During his time with LFBIT, James became interested in the Trust’s social enterprise, Can Do Catering. Post injury, James had tried to get back into hospitality work, but logistically, nothing quite worked. Then in late 2024, an opportunity arose for James to volunteer for the Trust’s weekly cooking group at Ilam Road.  

When coming in for an interview with Marcus Braun, Catering Manager at Can Do Catering, the two realised they knew each other, as James used to study under Marcus at CPIT.   

“I never would have thought that about a decade later I’d just be back working under my teacher again. Luckily, he trained me well!”

James began to volunteer his time on a Monday and Tuesday, where he works alongside residents and support workers with their cooking sessions. He delegates preparation jobs between residents and then assembles the meal in front of everyone to show everyone how it is made.  

“They enjoy it a lot! They’ve even started asking for seconds. It’s cool to be able to give back, even if it is just cooking a feed. If I’m bringing a smile to someone, that’s all that matters.”

After some time working with the cooking group, James also became an employee of Can Do Catering. Often on a Wednesday, but this can also extend to a Thursday or Friday. James has enjoyed helping out with the production of a Can Do Catering orders as they come in.  

 “I’ll help out with making the sausage rolls or whatever’s needing prep in higher quantities. It is getting busier, soon we have an order that is so big we will need all day, and that thrills me! I’m just like, yes, sweet, bring on more.”

“We are thrilled to have James on board as one of the Can Do team,” says Marcus Braun, Catering Manager. “Giving James the opportunity to shine in the environment where he obviously thrives in, is rewarding for us as an organisation and most importantly gives James the chance to utilise his skills and knowledge.” 

 “James’ professional kitchen experience is an asset that we really value, his ongoing contribution towards all tasks that he completes are always at a high standard and with an amazing positive attitude. We look forward to seeing where this exciting journey goes for James.”  

James says he is excited for the future of Can Do Catering, and with the new site at North Parade and planned dedicated space for the kitchen, hopes are high that the work will only continue to grow.  

Outside of work, James enjoys his family life, and spending special time with his ten year old daughter.  

“Between family life, looking out for my daughter, and work, that is all that is needed to fill my bucket.”

We are thrilled to see the progress that James has made post injury, and incredibly grateful for the time that he has invested this year into the very popular cooking group. We look forward to continuing to support you on your journey, as you support Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust on ours!  

Amanda’s story on Stuff

When a leading lawyer fell and damaged her brain she lost her sense of smell, struggled with balance, speech, fatigue and concentration, and developed major hearing issues including tinnitus.
In the article below, Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust client Amanda talks with Stuff about what’s helped on her steady road to recovery.

Read Amanda’s story on stuff by clicking here.

Proof of a good outcome – Brendan’s Story

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Brendan Daly credits his loving family and support from Laura Ferguson Brain Injury Trust in helping him regain his independence and rebuild his career following a traumatic brain injury and severe nerve damage to his arm. 

Brendan suffered four brain bleeds, four broken ribs, a punctured lung, a crushed artery and a total brachial plexus injury to his left arm when the motorbike he was riding collided with a vintage Jeep on a blind corner near Little River in June 2023. 

The accident occurred on what was meant to be a routine morning ride around Banks Peninsula with his brother-in-law Daryl. Brendan, who had been riding motorbikes since age 13 without serious injury, was thankful to be wearing good safety gear when the crash happened. 

“It was just really, really unfortunate,” he said. “The police were involved, and they’ve said there’s no one at fault here. I really do take a lot of comfort out of that fact because I don’t have to carry any guilt for it.” 

Emergency responders performed a life-saving pneumothorax procedure at the roadside, cutting a hole in Brendan’s chest to relieve pressure from his punctured lung. He was then airlifted to hospital, where he immediately went into cardiac arrest. 

“I don’t think you can really come any closer than that,” he reflected. 

Brendan’s recovery journey began in Christchurch Hospital’s intensive care unit, where he spent four days in a coma. He remained hospitalised for nearly four weeks before being transferred to Wellington’s ABI Rehabilitation Centre. 

Brendan’s traumatic brain injury initially caused severe memory problems and confusion. He recalls waking up in Wellington Hospital at 4am, attempting to leave for the airport to catch a flight that didn’t exist. 

“I would ring my mum in the middle of the night asking, ‘Where am I?’ And she would have to explain where I was and why. ‘You’re 39 years old, and you’re ringing your mum.’” 

He credits his wife Liz who bore much of the strain during those early weeks, staying by his bedside and managing care for their two children while he recovered. Their son Luke had contracted COVID-19, requiring Liz’s mother to move into their home to care for him. 

“I think what a load that is to take,” Brendan said. “How can I repay that? How do you say thanks to that?” 

Community rehab with Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust 

After some time in Wellington, Brendan was able to return home and The Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust became instrumental in his rehabilitation, providing occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychological rehabilitation and support. Having lost the use of his left arm, team members from the Trust helped him to learn basic skills to foster his independence, including how to tie shoelaces with one hand and to use adaptive cutlery. 

“The Laura Fergusson team meet you where you are, and they never came across as condescending,” he said. “These people were wonderful. They were just fantastic with their approach.” 

 

Gaining independence through driving 

Following great progress with his brain injury, one of Brendan’s most significant challenges was regaining his driving licence, which Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust Occupational Therapist Jarrod Withers helped facilitate through assessments and equipment modifications.  

Jarrod says, “Brendan was able to demonstrate that from a brain injury perspective he had made sufficient recovery to support him in returning to driving and his only remaining challenge was going to be the physical aspect of driving.”  

Most people are unaware of the sort of vehicle modification options available to support with a return to driving. Brendan now uses a spinning knob on his steering wheel to accommodate his limited left arm function.  

Jarrod continues, “Brendan came in, trialed a modification in our assessment vehicle and showed immediate control over the vehicle indicating a return to driving with a simple modification was going to be a feasible and realistic goal.”  

“Jarrod helped me gain my independence back. I took a test with Jarrod to identify obstacles and hazards and have an assessment; he’s a brave man!  

“Not being able to drive was a real loss of independence,” Brendan explains, “I had a lot of help around me, but I wasn’t able to do little things like go and pick up the milk. I was so keen to be able to be mobile again. Being able to drive again, it’s fantastic.”  

 

Gaining strength with physiotherapy 

In December 2023, Brendan underwent a 10.5-hour operation where surgeons grafted nerves from his legs into his neck and shoulder. The procedure has slowly restored some movement to his left arm, though progress remains gradual. 

“My physiotherapists Ciaran and Lizzie have been so encouraging and gave me exercises to help move my arm. You’ve just got to keep going.” 

LFBIT Physiotherapist Lizzie says, “Brendan is an absolute pleasure to work with. He is highly motivated, consistent, realistic and reflective. He has such an inspiring outlook on life, and I know his recovery and lessons learned will inspire others! He’s got a brilliant support unit and every step of the way we’ve been able to collaborate with them.”  

 

Taking care of mental health 

The Trust also connected Brendan with one of the team’s clinical psychologists, which he initially resisted but found transformative.  

“I didn’t think I needed that kind of support, but it was amazing. I liken it to if you’ve got a pack of cards and someone says put them in order – it’s going to be a lot easier if you just spread it out on a table. My psychologist helped me put everything back into some type of order that I could manage.” 

 

Returning to work 

Incredibly, Brendan is now back working four and a half days a week as an insurance broker, a milestone he once thought impossible. 

Returning to work gradually, Brendan started with a few hours per day before building up to his current schedule. The family insurance brokerage he worked in has since merged with a larger firm, where he now manages corporate accounts.  

“They said you need to prepare yourself for the possibility you might never go back to work. To go from that guy to working four and a half days a week full time as an insurance broker, that’s quite satisfying.” 

“I’m quite proud that I’ve been able to return to work in the capacity that I have,” he said. “I also want to acknowledge that without the help that I’ve had, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.” 

 

Finding new ways of doing things 

Despite the trauma from his life altering accident, Brendan has found new ways to continue his passions. He’s teaching his daughter to play bass guitar, an instrument he can no longer play himself due to his arm injury. He’s also purchased a vintage-style motorbike with a sidecar, allowing him to ride again safely with his daughter as a passenger.  

Lizzie has also supported Brendan to get back into road cycling again on an adaptive bike. “It’s been a joy supporting Brendan’s return to the community and especially back into biking with his family,” Lizzie said.  

Brendan reflects, “It’s great to be able to get back to some of my old activities, It’s doing the same things, but in a different way,” 

“Good outcomes can happen” 

Brendan recently visited the Wellington rehabilitation centre where he was treated, encountering one of his former doctors who became emotional upon learning of his recovery. 

“She said, ‘I needed a win today,'” Brendan recalled. “I want to be encouragement to the people that provide the help and the people that need the help that good outcomes can happen.” 

His advice to others facing similar challenges is simple: celebrate your small wins and accept help when it’s offered. 

“It’s actually okay to need help and accept what’s there because it’s all in place to help you have a better outcome,” he said. “It took me a while to grasp that. The tools and equipment that you’ve been given to get better – I wouldn’t have had the recovery without the help.” 

Brendan sums up his experience with heartfelt thanks: “I can’t express how thankful I am to Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust for what they’ve done. To be back up and about, driving, and back at work is a direct result of the work that people like the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust have put in.” 

LFBIT Breaks Ground on New Zealand’s First Comprehensive Disability and Rehabilitation Hub

The development will provide comprehensive rehabilitation services and specialist housing for 30 Residents in Purpose-Built Accommodation. 

Laura Ferguson Brain Injury Trust is commencing construction on New Zealand’s first comprehensive rehabilitation, recovery and supported housing hub, addressing a critical shortage of accommodation for people with complex disabilities across the South Island. 

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 21st August, at 126 North Parade, and was attended by Ōtautahi Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, local iwi leaders, Councillors, Richmond Business Association and Pareawa Banks Avenue School representatives. The day marks the beginning of a transformative development that will replace the organisation’s outdated 1970s facility with purpose-built housing and clinical services designed specifically for today’s complex disability needs. 

“Our existing building was built in the 1970s and today’s more complex needs can no longer be met within this environment,” explains Kathryn Jones, Trust CEO. “The expenditure required to bring it up to standard doesn’t make good financial sense. It was suitable 50 years ago but not for individuals requiring our support today.” 

 

Addressing Critical Housing Shortage for Complex Disabilities 

Co-designed with the Trust’s current residents and their whānau, the new development will feature up to five six-bedroom houses specifically designed for people with high and complex disability needs who require 24-hour care. The Trust currently supports over 1,200 clients at any given time, through residential services and community rehabilitation programmes, making it the only provider of its kind in the South Island and one of only three across New Zealand. 

“There is a significant lack of housing for people with complex disabilities in New Zealand and what we are proposing to provide on this site at 126 North Parade will be purpose designed and built houses to accommodate people with significant disabilities,” Jones stated. 

The development addresses an increasingly urgent need as New Zealand faces a growing prevalence of people with multiple disabilities and complex health conditions, and an aging population within a fragmented health and disability service. 

 

Comprehensive Service Hub Model 

Beyond housing, the project will establish New Zealand’s first integrated disability service hub, combining residential care with clinical rehabilitation and specialist assessment services under one roof. The development includes purpose-built clinics for specialist assessment and rehabilitation services, a gymnasium for community-based client rehabilitation, and dedicated space for the Trust’s social enterprise, Can Do Catering. 

“Our hub will also have a gym proving a dedicated space for rehabilitation for our community based clients,” Jones explained, highlighting the facility’s dual role serving both residential clients and the broader disability community. 

Office space in the hub will follow, to accommodate clinical allied health staff and administration teams, as well as providing meeting and training rooms, creating a comprehensive support ecosystem for clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other complex disabilities. 

 

Strategic Location Enhances Community Integration 

The North Parade location was selected for its proximity to community amenities and existing disability support networks. The site sits close to local amenities in Shirley, with strong community support from the Richmond business community and Pareawa Banks Avenue School. 

Existing partnerships enhance the location’s value, including collaboration with the nearby Avon hub, which already provides sporting facilities for people with disabilities in partnership with Parafed Canterbury. 

 

Four Years of Development Culminates in Construction 

The groundbreaking ceremony represents the culmination of four years of intensive planning and regulatory approval processes. The Trust has spent this period developing plans, fundraising, and gaining resource consent to build on the site. 

The first construction phase focuses on “the re-establishment and repair of the bridge onto the site,” with the groundbreaking event marking the commencement of this project. 

Whakawhetai Whenua at North Parade

Today we celebrated an exciting step for Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, with a whakawhetai whenua marking the beginning of work at 126 North Parade, our future home.   

We were fortunate to host whānau that we serve, mana whenua, Te Taumata Tapu o Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Right Honourable Mayor Phil Mauger and his wife Chrissy,Richmond, Pareawa Banks Avenue School, members of the LFBIT Board, Senior Leadership Members and Kaimahi.  

Charmaine Tukua-Pouwhare commenced the ceremony with a Pao, short impromptu song of welcome, to acknowledge the theme of the day and those present. It was extra special to have Charmaine, as we learnt that her first role out of school was as a support worker at Ilam Road!  

Next, Jacob Harmon, representing Te Taumata Tapu o Ngāi Tuahuriri, delivered a karakia whakatau, followed by all joining to sing Te Aroha. Mayor Phil Mauger delivered a speech to acknowledge all of the hard work it took to get to this day, and what it will mean for the city.  

We were able to whakanoa the process and ended the morning together with morning tea provided by Can Do Catering. 

The blessing on the ground is a significant milestone as it acknowledges physically the often-unseen steps to reach this point. It signals a new phase and acknowledges the collective efforts of those who have contributed to the journey to get here, and those who may have moved on or passed on. The blessing also aims to reaffirm mana whenua’s pivotal role in leading spaces and places at the forefront of process and procedure, which is mana enhancing and culturally in sync with the path we follow. 

LFBIT speak on Checkpoint

We were pleased to feature on RNZ’s Checkpoint highlighting the impact of concussion in low-level sports, and call for consistent protocols when dealing with concussions in school and local sport to prevent debilitating long-term impacts.  

Thank you to LFBIT clients Moses and Georgia for taking the time to speak to RNZ about your recovery; and to Pat Hopkins, Clinical Manager for Community Rehabilitation, for sharing your knowledge.   

Listen to the report by clicking here. 

Congratulations to Leanne Mathews!

We’d love to acknowledge the hard work of Leanne Mathews, Consultant Neuropsychologist at LFBIT, and say congratulations for recently publishing not one, but two articles in the latest issue of the Journal of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists.

“It was an incredible opportunity to highlight to importance of in-depth neuropsychological assessment to improve the lives of youth in the justice system,” says Leanne. “Neuropsychological assessment allows for more tailored intervention and services as well as increases the implementation of a strengths based approach.”

You can find Leanne’s work at the link below

https://jnzccp.scholasticahq.com/issue/12628

Do Less – Bryony’s Story

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The road to recovery after traumatic brain injury looks different for everyone, and the right pace is the one that works for you. Today, we would like to introduce Bryony Matthews, an Ōtautahi Christchurch-based musician, mother, and someone who has learned how to find the right pace in her recovery after an injury.   

In July 2023, Bryony was knocked off a scooter after colliding with a pedestrian, unaware of their surroundings. While the pedestrian was fine, Bryony fell hard and hit her head on the road. She was rushed to the hospital, where surgeons were called in for emergency surgery after scans revealed bleeding in the brain. Bryony spent two weeks in hospital, with four days in ICU following her surgery.   

Fortunately, Bryony woke with her memory intact. However, after further appointments and surgeries, the challenges that arose from her injury became clear: an overwhelming fatigue that meant help was needed by others for simple tasks, walking became slow and for short bursts; broken bones in her ears led to overwhelming tinnitus and loss of hearing; vertigo and eye fatigue made her feel stuck in a brain fog; sensory overload made places with bright light difficult to be in; and her relationship to socialising was challenged.   

“Socialising sometimes gave me a feeling of heavy depression,” says Bryony. “I was trying so hard to be my old self, but everything was so difficult, and no one could see that on the outside. I found myself trying to explain things to people who would ask me how I was, and that would be incredibly draining and depressing”   

Three weeks after her injury, Bryony was referred to the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.   

“When arriving at LFBIT, I was a terrible mess. After talking to my occupational therapist, I came outside and broke into tears out of sheer relief knowing that there were people to help me through everything. I didn’t realise the stress I’d been feeling from trying to figure out how to recover. To this day, I call OT’s angels; they are there to help you through everything from ACC admin to just talking and guiding you through life.”  

Bryony worked with a physiotherapist to help ease challenges around her fractured jaw and eye fatigue, as well as management for vertigo. She also worked with a neuropsychologist, who helped her work through the stress and feelings that come with having to face a new way of life.   

“Knowing that I had them to fall back on took off such a weight. Their kindness and patience with me made me always feel at ease.”  

Two years on, and Bryony is doing very well in her recovery. She is back to work, working reduced hours and many from home to manage fatigue. While she still faces fatigue and finds frustrating moments of forgetfulness or clumsiness, she is living life to the full and has accepted that things may never go back to the way it was.   

“The bittersweet silver lining of this journey is that I was forced to stop and slow down. While working with my neuropsychologist, I took on a new mantra: ‘Do Less.’ This is something I constantly remind myself. I have become aware of how strong, resilient and persistent I am. At times I felt weak and miserable, but I have such an amazing community of family and friends who have made me see how well I have done and am doing, and I know that they are right.”  

Day to day, Bryony loves spending time with her young family, travelling together, and working on music and art. Currently, her focus is on producing a six-song album and live performance to tell the story of her injury. To raise funds, she has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign, which you can find at the bottom of this page. The project aims to help people understand what it is like to go through recovery, as well as give a voice to those with TBI by making the invisible visible to others.  

Being patient, kind and understanding with yourself is advice that Bryony would give to anyone going through recovery.   

“This kind of recovery can be very long and is not linear. You may feel like you are doing so incredibly well, and then crash back to feeling awful; that is ok. It is important to work hard, but also to let yourself rest and surrender to what you cannot instantly fix. Listen to your body, don’t push yourself too hard. Do less, be aware and be grateful for the small, beautiful things that make life wonderful.”

Thank you, Bryony, for taking the time to share your journey. We wish you the very best in your continued recovery and ambitions with your new record! You can find more information about Bryony’s album and Kickstarter campaign below.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bryonymatthews/songs-of-survival-music-from-my-brain-injury-recovery 

Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance Group

We welcome eligible people to join our Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance Group.

This group will introduce basic mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques and focus on how such strategies may be useful to regulate mood, manage fatigue and improve memory.

Each session will consist of shared discussion of different qualities of mindfulness and distress tolerance, along with two exercises and specific strategies that can be used on a daily basis.

There will be six sessions of the mindfulness and distress tolerance group from Tuesday 22nd of July though to the 9th of September – 1:00pm – 2:30pm. If you are interested and to see if you are eligible, please contact Leanne Mathews – leanne.mathews@lfbit.co.nz

Nursing training at Arvida Rest Home

Our talented team provide training and education sessions across a variety of codes.  

Recently, Val Sandston visited Arvida Rest Home for a training session on the use of suprapubic catheters. This was a great opportunity to share knowledge, and the team of nurses were grateful to receive guidance and assurance around correct procedure. 

Thank you Val for heading along and sharing your expertise! If you are interested in booking a training session for your organisation, or want to enquire about a different session from our expert team, please don’t hesitate to contact Katie Hodge, Service Development Manager, at katie.hodge@lfbit.co.nz 

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