MICK CULL TARADALE HIGH SCHOOL
Just under two years ago, Taradale High School year 10 pupil Tim Towler (left) suffered horrendous injuries after attempting to ride his mountain bike down the hillside at Park Island. As Tim rode down the hill he lost control and was thrown over the handle
bars. Tim suffered fractures to his back, skull, chin, hand, wrist and arms. He also suffered a serious brain injury. He was rushed to Hawke's Bay Hospital and was immediately put on life support. He was in an induced coma for 2 1/2 months and had the life support turned off. Thankfully, he came out of the coma after three days and his recovery began. Over the next few months he spent time in hospitals in Wellington and Auckland as well as in Hawke's Bay. He vividly recalls his rehabilitation in Auckland where he daily walked up and down hundreds of steps and even tried to run on the beach. His only thoughts were when he might be able to race stock cars again.
Tim started back at Taradale High School early in 2005 and managed some physical activity in his PE class.
Tim's mother contacted Dahl Gurdit-Singh, a personal trainer from Synergy Fitness in Napier. Together, Tim and Dahl began a programme which saw Tim first compete in a 10km race and this inspired him to begin training for a half marathon. Gradually Tim moved up towards the 15km mark and both entered the Taupo Half Marathon on August 6 this year.
Tim found the conditions extremely cold but this did not deter him and he and Dahl finished comfortably in a time of 2hrs 25mins. An extraordinary time for someone who survived such horrendous injuries.
When asked what drove him on during the race, Tim said, "Dahl had promised me two pizzas if I finished. He came around to my house with these the next day."
When asked if he intends to return to driving stock cars, Tim said, "Well, to tell you the truth, I am already back racing in the 1200cc or less grade and have won the odd race."
Tim in an inspiration to all sportspeople and his recovery efforts will be hailed at the forthcoming Sports Dinner for First Teams at Taradale High.
