Quadraplegic Triathlete raising funds for Assistance Dogs
Announcement posted by Assistance Dogs Australia 26 Jun 2015
Michael Forbes is raising money for Assistance Dogs Australia, attempting to raise the $27,000 that it costs the charity to raise and train one of these remarkable dogs. Provided entirely free of charge to those in need, Assistance Dogs help people with physical disabilities, children with autism and sufferers of PTSD.
Michael waited 4 years for his Assistance Dogs Fizz to arrive, and had almost given up hope. With a waiting list of over 150 people and no government funding, the charity are struggling to meet the demand.
''Please help me raise money so that somebody else can experience the independence and freedom that an assistance dog can provide for someone in a wheelchair" said Michael.
He took his plea for help to Channel 10's The Project last night, which can be seen here: http://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-project/extra/season-6/assistance-dogs
Seven years ago, 35 year old Michael Forbes was training for the Victorian State Cycling Championships when he was clipped by a passing truck and catapulted into a 4WD just 5km from home. A professional triathlete who had represented Australia at the world championships in 2002 and 2003, Michael sustained horrific injuries, breaking his cervical spine (neck) at the fourth vertebrae and ultimately leaving him a quadriplegic.
"Having to have someone with you 24 hours a day can be confronting," Michael said.
"And being alone and not having anyone with you can be even more overwhelming."
Specially trained for Michael's personality, energy and way of life, Fizz has changed Michael's life forever. Fizz brings Michael his crutches, picks up anything Michael drops and even brings the phone to him when it rings.
"He allows me to be free. To be independent. To have reassurance that help is there if I need it but also time to myself," Michael says.
"He has also assisted me with my relationship with my daughter, we go to the school together and everyone wants to meet Fizz, which allows me to be social and build relationships also."
Based in Elwood Victoria, Michael is available for interview. He has created his own fundraising page which can be found here: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/104183/michaelfizzsappealforassistancedogsaustralia