A hinterland community is rallying behind a big-hearted resident who remains in hospital following a freak motorcycle accident during a charity bike event.
A GoFundMe page and ride fundraiser have been organised to help Australian Army 20-year veteran Snow Maurice, who needs ongoing treatment and rehabilitation after his horrific crash in Central Queensland on September 2.
Goddaughter Lauren Stewart said Snow, of West Woombye, had just left Emerald on the Capricorn Highway, heading to Alpha after lunch to start the annual five-day Southern Cross Poker Run, when the drawbar on the trailer he was towing snapped and threw him from his bike at 100km/h.
The tyre support vehicle for the charity ride was the first on the scene.
Kylie learnt the news only after checking the Life360 family tracking app and noticed Snow had been an hour at Emerald Base Hospital, which was not on the ride route.
Snow had been rushed to Emerald Base Hospital in a critical condition, and was to be transported by helicopter to Rockhampton Hospital. But his condition was so serious that the Royal Flying Doctor Service transferred him to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
“Snow spent just over two weeks in an induced coma with 10 broken ribs, broken shoulder and collar bone and multiple spinal fractures,” Lauren said.
“With him only being born with one kidney, Snow will need ongoing blood tests to monitor levels and functionality. He has had a months worth of dialysis already, although currently it is reviewed daily to determine if it is needed that day.”
At one point, Snow stopped responding to vocal commands such as “squeeze my hand” and doctors were concerned he had severed his spinal cord and may be paralysed from the neck down.
An MRI showed the spinal cord was still intact, but the multiple spinal fractures saw him transferred to the trauma ward for a week before being taken by ambulance to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, closer to his home, family and neighbours.
He wanted to pass on these words: “Arte et Marte (an ancient Latin phrase meaning ‘by skill and by fighting’) and thank-you to all the rescuers, donators and those who have given their love and support to myself and my family during this traumatic time.”
In true fighting spirit, he remains adamant that he will wed his partner Kylie “sooner rather than later” despite this massive setback.
Snow took on the role of a loving and supportive stepfather to Kylie’s two children, Isaac, 19, and Mia, 15, after they lost their father four years ago to an aggressive cancer.
He also has two older children: Josh, 33, and Jared, 30, from a previous marriage.
“It has been an emotional roller-coaster considering we thought we were going to lose him,” Lauren said.
“With Kylie and Snow’s upcoming wedding, it has given Snow something to occupy his mind with. He is adamant the wedding is happening sooner rather than later as life is too short.”
Lauren said Snow’s fiancée had been “an absolute trooper, by his side the whole way”.
Kylie has put her job in the health care sector on hold for at least the next 12 months to be able to assist him with the regular medical appointments.
“With the close support of amazing friends and family, some of which I’ve never met but have now, the days seem easier,” she said.
“The love we have received has opened my eyes to just how many people out there care…”
Lauren created a GoFundMe page to help with the unexpected short-term accommodation near the hospital, meals, parking, fuel and other transportation costs that had already taken their toll, as well as future medical costs and the general household bills that are now piling up.
She is hoping the Sunshine Coast community Snow has supported as a Queensland surf lifesaving volunteer for nine years and resident of West Woombye for the past seven years will show their gratitude to the former army recovery mechanic by giving a donation.
“Snow has always been a giving man. If someone is unwell, he and Kylie would cook a meal or offer other support without hesitation,” Lauren said.
In the meantime, family friend Linda Hughes (aka ‘Ruby’) is also helping make the wheels turn on fundraising for Snow with a Woodford to Woombye charity ride from 8.30am on Saturday, October 29.
Ruby first met Snow about six years ago at a biker retreat in the South Burnett and they immediately had a great connection.
“I’ve spend a few Saturdays and Sundays riding with Snow on charity rides and I class him as my unbiological brother,” she said.
“I’ve since met his beautiful partner Kylie and we’ve become family as such.”
Ruby described Snow as “a stand-up person” and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, which is why he had become an even bigger part of her life since COVID came to our shores in 2019.
“My husband and I were caught up in some of the first exposure sites in July in Sydney,” she said.
“When returning home, we had to isolate and had not too much in the house at the time.
“Snow and Kylie came to our rescue with supplies which was amazing.
“Recently, my husband had an accident and once again Snow and Kylie just turned up with pre-made meals and have been an amazing support.”
Ruby said Snow had been through a terrible ordeal, with a great distance to go with his injuries before life returned to normal.
The charity ride will leave CJ Pastries at 100 Archer St, Woodford, at 8am Saturday, October 29, and travel to Woombye’s main street by 10am.
Donations will be accepted and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Coffee and lunch will be at riders’ own expense.
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