Popular breeder Doug Moore has been told by his doctors at the Royal North Shore Hospital that he will never walk again after falling more than six metres through a roof of a building at Brooklyn Lodge on the weekend. Mr Moore will be confined to a wheelchair after damaging his spinal cord and has been told it could be six months before he can return home.
Mr Moore’s family is thankful for all of the support they have received since the accident.
“We are just taking it day by day at the moment, but the phone calls and well wishes we have received since the weekend have been unbelievable and it is helping everyone during this difficult time,” son-in-law Ben Settree said.
“Doug has damaged his T12 vertebrae so essentially from his belly button down he has no feeling or movement and at this stage he has been diagnosed as a paraplegic which is something that everyone is finding hard to come to terms with.”
Mr Moore suffered a number of other injuries in the fall including broken ribs, a fractured cheekbone, a fractured eye socket, a broken hip, a broken nose plus extensive cuts and bruising to his body.
“Doug has suffered no injury to his brain which was some good news for the family and he is fully aware of what has happened and what he is facing.
“The doctors have explained to us that it could be six months until he is ready to go home and we have already been contacted by an engineering company to ensure his home is wheelchair friendly, we are so grateful for the support from everyone.”
The staff at Brooklyn Lodge is continuing to work tirelessly at the height of the breeding season which has eased a little bit of pressure on the family.
“It is business as usual at Brooklyn Lodge and the staff have been so supportive, we’ve even had former staff members contact us to see if they can help out for a couple of days, it has been fantastic.”
HRNSW Chairman Rex Horne and CEO John Dumesny visited Mr Moore on Tuesday afternoon in hospital.
“It was good to see Doug and he was in relatively good spirits considering the circumstances and what he has been through over the last few days,” Mr Dumesny said.
“Rex and I spoke with Janet and their son James to offer any assistance and I also spoke with their daughter Melanie yesterday afternoon, at this stage they are assessing the stud situation but have been overwhelmed with the support that has been extended to them.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
