Father-of-two is left a quadriplegic after freak surf accident – as his wife thanks the heroes who dragged his body to the shore and saved his life
- Young father has been given the heartbreaking news he’s now a quadriplegic
- Chris Poulos, 32, was surfing when he came off his board and hit his head
- Newcastle father-of-two now faces months of hospital stays and rehabilitation
- His wife paid tribute to surfers who pulled her unconscious husband to shore
- Do you know the surfers who saved his life? Email kylie.stevens@mailonline.com
A young father has a long road of recovery ahead of him after a surfing accident changed his life forever.
Chris Poulos, 32, is now a quadriplegic and remains in intensive care after hitting his head on a sandbar at a beach north of Sydney last week.
The father-of-two was enjoying an after-work surf at Dudley Beach near Newcastle on November 15 when he came off his board and was knocked unconscious after hitting his head.
Several nearby surfers rushed to his aid and managed to drag Mr Poulos to shore before calling Triple 0.
He was airlifted to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital with suspected spinal injuries, where he underwent surgery on the damaged vertebrae in his neck.
Chris Poulos, pictured with his wife Alanna is now a quadriplegic after a surfing accident
Friends and family have rallied around Mr Poulos and his wife Alanna whose lives have been turned upside down after their worst fears were confirmed this week.
His wife took to Facebook on Saturday to provide an update and thank everyone for their love and support in the last week.
‘It will be a long journey for Chris but anyone who knows him, knows he’s a strong, determined, ambitious, funny, stubborn, incredible guy who won’t let this knock him down for long,’ Ms Poulos wrote.
‘Chris is awake, breathing and speaking. He’s keeping the nurses and doctors on their toes in true Chris Poulos style.’
She also paid tribute to the emergency workers and the quick-thinking surfers who helped saved her husband’s life.
The father of two (pictured) is recovering in Royal North Shore Hospital’s spinal injuries unit
‘We thank the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, NSW police, the paramedics and above all else, the courageous quick thinking Dudley Beach surfers who rescued Chris. We love you all so much,’ Ms Poulos wrote.
‘We thank you for your generosity and we ask that you please continue to pray.’
A GoFundMe page set up for the family added: ‘Was it not for the heroic actions of other surfers in the water that afternoon, we may not have Chris here with us today.’
The page added Mr Poulos has had his breathing tube removed in recent days and is making pleasing progress.
‘Chris is staying positive and is looking forward to hitting future milestones,’ an update read.
‘With his breathing tube removed, Chris has been able to start speaking again and in true Chris form he has been keeping Alanna entertained with his playful joking around and humour. Alanna has been an absolute pillar of strength and has not left Chris’ side.’
Chris Poulos was enjoying an after-work surf at Dudley Beach (pictured) near Newcastle
The fundraising page has raised almost $65,000 within three days, which will go a long way in easing the financial burden on the young family in the months ahead
A regional manager with Disability Services Australia, Mr Poulous is described as a dedicated family man with a zest for life and passion for helping others.
‘The family live in Newcastle and now face the reality that Chris will spend the next few months in Sydney while he undergoes further treatment, leaving Alanna to try and juggle a sense of normality for her boys, while also being there daily to support Chris,’ the page states.
‘Chris, Alanna and their two young boys, Hunter and Tyson, now need our support moving forward during this heartbreaking and challenging time.’
Alanna Poulos (right) has paid tribute to the quick-thinking surfers who pulled her unconscious husband Chris (left) to shore after he hit his head on a sandbar when he fell off his surfboard