Ross is coming home at last

HEADING HOME: Ross Mitchell-Anyon, pictured recently with his wife Bobbi.PHOTO/SUPPLIED 16092015WCSUPRETURN

A Wanganui artist who is lucky to be alive is returning home this weekend.

In April, Ross Mitchell-Anyon took a 12-metre tumble while he was working on a Taupo Quay building he owns.

While he happily survived, Mr Mitchell-Anyon has had an extended stay at the acquired brain injury unit at Porirua, going through rehabilitation.

Mr Mitchell-Anyon's wife Bobbi said her husband, a renowned potter, was looking forward to reacquainting himself with his work - when he is ready.

"To make a full recovery, Ross needs plenty of time and opportunities to do things at his own pace," Mrs Mitchell-Anyon said.

She said he had "defied all odds" by surviving.

"He has nevertheless sustained a massive brain injury and finds social interaction very tiring. So, as a family, we ask that visitors only come when invited or give prior warning."

Mr Mitchell-Anyon's work won't be for sale from his home, but it will be available from several Wanganui galleries.

"However, I feel sure a new era of Ross Mitchell-Anyon ceramics is about to dawn, reflecting a new phase of his life," Mrs Mitchell-Anyon said.

She said the family was "extremely grateful" to the doctors, nurses, therapists, specialists, and paramedics who worked with Mr Mitchell-Anyon.

"I feel especially indebted to the dedicated staff at the ABI unit in Porirua, where Ross has spent the most part of the past six months."

Mrs Mitchell-Anyon said she believes the "positive thoughts and outpouring of love and concern" from Wanganui people have helped her husband.

"Now we are all very excited - and so is he - about returning to his beloved Wanganui, the river, and the house he built."