Wheelchair User Inspires Others to Find Hope and Freedom

Brett Ladbrook, a wheelchair user and advocate, encourages others to find their own “moment of hope” following life-altering injuries. After a motorcycle accident at the age of 16 in Ponsonby in 1985 left him with a spinal injury, Ladbrook has dedicated his life to showing that resilience and determination can lead to a fulfilling life, despite significant challenges.

The accident occurred when Ladbrook, then an aspiring apprentice mechanic, was riding his motorcycle down a side street. A truck veered over the centerline, forcing him to swerve and ultimately crash. He recalls, “I’ve got a blank space for 20 minutes, and I can’t remember anything.” His first clear memory was in the ambulance, where he learned that he had sustained a serious spinal injury. Doctors informed him he would never walk again, a devastating reality for a young teenager.

Ladbrook spent three days in Auckland Hospital and an additional six weeks in the Spinal Unit, where he faced the harsh reality of his new circumstances. However, witnessing others with spinal cord injuries leading full lives became his inspiration. He remarked, “Seeing other guys that had been using chairs for a while… it was like a light at the end of the tunnel… a moment of hope.”

Determined to reclaim his passion for motorbikes, Ladbrook was back on two wheels within a year, albeit on a modified three-wheeled motorcycle. “I pinch myself that I’m still riding on a bike,” he said. This passion not only provides him with a sense of freedom but also connects him with a community of fellow riders.

Every year, Ladbrook participates in events like the Burt Munro Challenge in Bluff, where he often faces questions about being a wheelchair user who rides motorcycles. He appreciates the genuine curiosity of others and uses these interactions as opportunities to share his journey. “Being able to ride and go on big trips has given me a lot of enjoyment,” he added.

The New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) reported that 2020 saw the highest number of motorcycle injuries and associated costs in five years, with active claims costing approximately $109 million. Ladbrook warns that many riders underestimate the risks as they return to riding after winter. “You have to be ready. Check the condition of your bike, your tyre pressure,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of safety.

James Whitaker, ACC’s injury prevention leader, highlighted that spring is an ideal time for motorbike enthusiasts to prepare for the riding season. He noted that around 50 percent of motorbike riders deregister their bikes during the winter months, only to bring them back out in spring. “As we come into September, it’s a great time of year… make sure you’re ready to get the most out of your time on your bike,” he encouraged. Riders are advised to complete a Ride Forever coaching programme to refresh their skills.

In addition to his personal journey, Ladbrook works as a Peer Support worker at the NZ Spinal Trust. He provides guidance to individuals who are just beginning their rehabilitation journeys. His message is clear: “Never give up. Give yourself time for your body to heal and your mind to get around it. If there’s something you want to do, someone else has already done it before.”

Ladbrook’s experience has reshaped his perspective on life. He encourages others to think outside the box and remain hopeful, stating, “What a life-changing accident like this does is makes you think outside the square… but you can still have a great life.” His narrative serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of reclaiming joy after tragedy.