THE family of injured bull rider John Crasti said the young man is stronger than any bull he’s ever ridden.
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And he’ll have to be if he is to regain mobility following a horrendous accident in Orange last month.
Mr Crasti, 19, is in the spinal ward of Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney awaiting a place in the Ryde rehabilitation facility.
On Monday Mr Crasti took his first solo run in an electric wheelchair.
Mr Crasti’s family used Facebook to update friends and family on his condition following the incident where he was crushed by a 680 kilogram bull on October 27.
Mr Crasti mounted the bull in the chute of the East to West Coast Rodeo when the bull backflipped and crushed him for up to three minutes.
During the incident Mr Crastic suffered spinal and neck injuries.
He was flown to Royal North Shore Hospital where he was placed in the intensive care ward.
His father John said his son will not give up.
“John is giving it everything he has got and then some, as usual,” he said.
“He has battled through stuff that would put a normal man on his knees. Through all of this, he still finds the heart to care for the welfare of those he loves.
“His mum and I watched him smile for the first time because the great staff at the Royal North Shore Hospital made it possible for him to be taken outside to look at the sun and sky.
“ He has a long road ahead, but if anyone can do it, he’s the man.”
Family friend Leah Smith said Mr Crasti was on the wait list for entry into the Ryde Rehab facility.
“He is in himself still very positive, even though he’s looking at the possibility he may never ride again,” she said.