The Whitsunday Dirt Riders community is rallying around to support Proserpine local and Supermoto Australian Champion Andy McLiesh who suffered severe injuries following a motorbike accident earlier this month.
The father of two had been riding in Mackay on a fateful Friday, June 2, when he had a serious motorbike accident resulting in a crushed spinal cord.
For the past three weeks he has been in hospital, with his wife Tammy barely leaving his side.
The family are now planning to travel down to Brisbane where Andy will receive specialist care and rehabilitation that will hopefully allow him to regain some kind of movement, possibly even walk again.
Andy has already been through surgery to begin the rehabilitation process.
“Even though he’ll never be like what he was, I’m hoping this surgery will do something, bring some feeling or movement or honestly just anything,” said Tammy before the operation.
“We have a long road ahead of us, but if anyone can beat that one per cent it’ll be my husband!
“He is still alive and with us and that is all that matters. He is also cracking those Andy jokes and being a smart ass to all the nurses, so we haven’t lost him!"
The last few weeks have been traumatic for family, friends and the broader community as Andy has been moved to different hospitals.
He is now waiting for his broken ribs, fractured shoulder, and bleeding lungs to heal enough for the rehabilitation to officially begin.
It will be a long road for Andy, and loss of earnings could well have compounded the stress for him.
Fortunately, the Whitsunday Dirt Riders and Whitsunday Moto Sports Club, both of which Andy has been heavily involved in, are rallying around to help.
On Saturday, June 24, Whitsunday Dirt Riders are having a Dirt Track race meet to raise funds to help the family through these difficult times.
All gate entry donations will go to the family along with $5 from each registered rider on the night.
They will also have a raffle where attendees can win a 2023 KLX110 Auto Bike.
In addition, Andy’s sister, Coral McLiesh, has started a GoFundMe page which has raised over $32,000 so far.
All money raised will go towards Andy’s medical bills and any expenses.’
WHAT: Dirt Track Meet and Andy McLiesh Fundraiser
WHERE: Whitsunday Dirt Riders Club at Dray’s Park
WHEN: Saturday, June 24 from 3pm
GATE ENTRY: $5 donation at the door
Andy, his wife Tammy and their two boys in happier times. Photo supplied
Andy McLiesh racing professionally in July last year. Photo supplied
Arecent event at the Whitsunday Dirt Riders Club. Photo supplied
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