| conscious “Good”
magazine. A car parked in the wrong place at the bottom of
a ramp was an accident waiting to happen. Michael obliged
breaking his leg when he tried to side step the vehicle and
trod on loose metal. The result of this happenstance in time
was a long stint in a hospital bed.
However, as said above, Michael is back on his feet delivering
the mail and other bits and pieces, all around the hospital.
“One of the best things to come out of me going for
the awards is finding out how much support I got from Burwood
Hospital”, said Michael.
A few months have gone by now since the heady days of the
award ceremony but he still chuckles to himself over the experience.
He remembers the TV camera crew following him around at Burwood,
taking two or three takes of his every move and the generosity
of the Christchurch people who had a whip around to ensure
he was all suited up, for the formal occasion. He remembers
the rush from Auckland Airport to his accommodation at Sky
City to prepare for the big occasion at Auckland’s University
of Technology, the royal red carpet treatment once he arrived
at the venue and the nervousness of being the centre of attention.
He also remembers another ceremony back in his hometown where
Mayor Bob Parker presented him with a Canterbury Volunteer
Award.
All good memories but now he is quite content in continuing
his service to his community.
“My volunteer job at Burwood Hospital has been great
for my CP, because I do a heck of a lot of walking, which
has improved my physical abilities including, my stamina my
confidence and my speech. My speech has improved mainly because
I would always be chatting to the female staff.
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"
Michael with Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker"
