Brett Ladbrook Inspires Others After Life-Altering Injury

Brett Ladbrook, a former motorcycle enthusiast, is dedicated to helping others with spinal injuries find their path to recovery. After a devastating accident at the age of 16, which left him unable to walk, he has focused on resilience and empowerment, stating, “If you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Life doesn’t stop after a spinal injury.”

In 1985, Ladbrook experienced a life-changing motorcycle crash in Ponsonby, New Zealand. As he rode through a side street, a truck crossed into his lane, forcing him to swerve. The impact of the accident left him with a serious spinal injury. “I’ve got a blank space for 20 minutes, and I can’t remember anything,” recalls the now 56-year-old. His first memory following the crash was in the ambulance, where he learned about the severity of his injuries.

Ladbrook spent three days at Auckland Hospital, followed by six weeks in the Spinal Unit, where he began his recovery. “It was a pretty devastating moment and hard to take in at 16,” he reflects. Yet, it was during this challenging time that he found inspiration in others who had adapted to life in wheelchairs. “Seeing guys living full lives with spinal cord impairment was like a light at the end of the tunnel… a moment of hope.”

Determined to reclaim his passion for motorbikes, Ladbrook set out to ride again. Remarkably, he was back on the road within a year. “There’s nothing like the feeling of riding on the open road. It’s full freedom,” he says. Today, he rides a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with a sidecar for his wheelchair, allowing him to participate in events like the Burt Munro Challenge in Bluff.

Ladbrook’s journey highlights the importance of safety and preparation for motorbike riders, especially after a long hiatus. In New Zealand, motorbike injuries have surged, with $109 million in active claims costs reported in 2020. Ladbrook cautions fellow riders to thoroughly check their bikes before hitting the road again. He emphasizes, “You have to be ready. Check the condition of your bike, your tyre pressure… make sure your gear is in good condition.”

According to James Whitaker, ACC injury prevention leader, autumn is an ideal time for motorbike enthusiasts to prepare for riding. Each year, about 50 percent of riders deregister their bikes during the winter months, only to return in spring. “We want motorbike riders to celebrate their love of riding and get back on the open road,” says Whitaker. He encourages completion of a Ride Forever coaching programme to ensure riders are prepared and confident.

In addition to riding, Ladbrook has taken on a new role as a Peer Support worker at the NZ Spinal Trust. He provides guidance to individuals navigating their own spinal injury journeys. His message is clear: “Never give up. Give yourself time for your body to heal and your mind to adjust. If there’s something you want to do, someone else has already done it before.”

Ladbrook’s story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of community. “What a life-changing accident like this does is make you think outside the square. You can still have a great life,” he concludes, illustrating the transformative potential of hope and determination for those facing similar challenges.