Heibner to get skull section put back in

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Wanganui Warriors driver Kyle Heibner returned home to Nelson last Sunday and is now focused on the intensive rehabilitation needed to return to full function.

The 21-year-old will also be returning to Wellington for surgery on Tuesday to put back the section of skull that doctors removed in February to relieve swelling after the severe head trauma he sustained while superstock racing.

His Wanganui-based father Steve Heibner said that, after his son's recovery at the Laura Fergusson brain rehabilitation unit in Christchurch, Kyle is now working through nerve damage to his left leg.

The doctors told them everyone reacts differently to the effects of brain injuries and coming out of a medically-induced coma, but Kyle Heibner had come a long way - starting with moving with a walking frame and now moving on to a walking stick.

"If he did survive, they didn't know what would come back, but he's come back very well," said Steve Heibner.

"He started walking about two-and-a- half weeks ago.

"He just has little memory lapses, which are quite common with the injury that he had."

Steve Heibner said down at Laura Fergusson, the patients don't watch television as it does not assist their recovery, the same for having their cellphone.

Naturally, his son was bored out of his mind and was eager to get back to Nelson with his mother Donna Elston and into a routine of normalcy, he said.

"Being back at home is a huge step in his recovery," said Steve Heibner. "He's already asking when he can go back to work."

The doctors have set a timeline of 12 months for Kyle Heibner to return to the workforce, although his father believes it could be quicker than that.

Next Saturday, May 30, the Manawatu Speedway Club is holding a Casino Night fundraiser at 7pm in the Silks Lounge at the Manawatu Racecourse.

The annual event is usually to raise proceeds for a local driver to travel to England to compete, but this year the Manawatu club has switched it to a fundraiser to assist in Kyle Heibner's recovery.

"It's massive what Manawatu have done," Steve Heibner said.

"The support from the racing fraternity has been unbelievable."

Oceanview Speedway has organised tickets and buses are also being arranged through Totalspan Wanganui.