On Wednesday the fundraising committee behind ‘Dean’s Wheels’ presented Dean Walsh and his family with a special vehicle enabling him to be taken to medical appointments and eventually to gain some normality so he can enjoy trips to the river.

At just 28-years-old Dean, who is suffering from a traumatic brain injury, is unable to fit into the local taxi due to his condition, therefore his own means of transportation was a priority that the committee made a reality.

Dean’s life was turned upside down in December 2012 when he was involved in a car accident causing him to suffer a diffused axonal brain injury.

Hospitalised for 18 months, Dean underwent 23 brain operations and had numerous brain infections and bouts of pneumonia. They nicknamed him “the warrior” because he continued to survive operation after operation.

Dean has been diagnosed as minimally responsive. While he can move his left and right arm on occasion and does have very good hearing, he cannot talk or see. He is wheelchair bound with harnesses across his shoulders to keep his body uptight.

Before his accident Dean was working as a fourth generation rice farmer for his father Brian. The family said they feel so blessed that following his accident Dean has now gotten to a point where he has come home. He has 12 carers in place to make that happen.

Member of the fundraising team Sue Gavel was thrilled to present Dean and his family with the much needed vehicle. “It has just been an honour to do this,” she said.

“We really appreciate that the Leeton Rotary Club who came on board with this and facilitated some of the aspects of fundraising. They contacted us and said we want to get on board and help. 

“We also had a great committee team with members from TAFE Lynne Pygram, Katriona Gordon, Rodd Ryan, as well as Fiona Stevens, Joan Dartnell, Melissa Herrmann, John Martin and (Dean’s mother) Jacqui Walsh.”