Hamilton Graduation

Well first of all I would like to say a huge congratulations to everybody standing up here tonight! First of all I would like to say a huge Thank you to everybody involved in this course. But now I have my own little story I would like to share from a child’s perspective on growing up with a mother with head injuries. During our last session on Wednesday I couldn’t help myself but break down for more reasons than one. Viewing images listening and seeing the presenter brought back some sad and deeply upsetting memories I have of my own mum. When she was 16 years old and in the process of completing her apprenticeship as one ofNew Zealand’s best up and coming jockeys her career was brought to a sad and dramatic end as she fell during a race and suffered numerous injuries that threatened to end her life. She was put into an induced coma for 6 weeks, and still to this day she suffers from loss of sight and smell, and also has to live with daily migraines and pain throughout her whole body. It’s sad and hugely upsetting for myself and everybody in my family to see such a amazing and kind person have to go through this. The reason why I have shared this with you all tonight is when I spoke with the presenter he made one point sink in. “Family is everything they are with you through thick and thin, you only get one chance at life with them when it’s gone you can’t start again.” When ever I get into a car from now on, and for the rest of my life, I need to, for my own reassurance, know that this decision will not put my loved ones through a tragic experience again where they could possibly lose me. This course has brought me closer to my family and friends, along with showing me the impacts of speeding, lack of attention and driving under the influence can cause. I hope every single participant and support person has taken away something from this right track course! And one again from the bottom of my heart thank you all for changing my life and the Hamilton City Council who have funded this experience, and a warm hearted thanks to all the motivational speakers who have shared their experiences with us! Well done everyone.