An outpouring of community support has emerged for Joshua Ditchmen of Wishart, who remains hospitalised after suffering a devastating stroke and being involved in an ATV accident earlier this month.
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The 17-year-old football player was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition following the incident, which occurred on private property on Kavanaghs Road in Buaraba on October 1. Police confirmed they responded to reports of an ATV crash around 12:45 p.m. that day.
The Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, Joshua remains hospitalised as of Oct 10.
According to his mother, Sonja Ditchmen, Joshua suffered a stroke which caused him to fall off the quad bike he was riding. The fall resulted in additional head injuries.
Joshua’s mum said he had multiple bleeds in his brain and was placed in a medically-induced coma to help him breathe. However, he developed a chest infection during his time in the coma.
More than a week since the crash, Joshua has made significant improvements, according to his mother. He has opened his eyes, can say his name, gives a thumbs up response, and has mostly been taken off his breathing tube.
In an online post, Mrs Ditchmen pleaded for prayers and support for her son’s recovery.
The Carina Junior Rugby League Football Club, where Joshua plays on the U17 team, will be collecting donations to help aid his recovery. The 17-year-old has played for the club for 12 years and is also a referee. His twin brother and older brother also play for Carina.
“As GoFundMe takes a percentage of each donation and we know all families are struggling we have decided the best way to rally together and to get all monies to Joshua and to do this via Carina where people are not pressured to contribute with names and messages being posted,” the club said in a social media post.
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Friends, teammates, and loved ones are all wishing Joshua a full recovery as he continues to fight through extensive injuries and illness.
Published 10-October-2023