PHOTO BY JOHN HIPKISS
Zielona Gora doctor Robert Zapotoczny says Australian star Darcy Ward’s condition has improved since Monday, but no further details on his injuries were released.
The 23-year-old’s father George called for the rider and his family’s privacy to be respected as he recovers from serious spinal injuries sustained in an awkward crash at Zielona Gora on Sunday.
The incident has left Ward with no lower body feeling, and he underwent a wrist operation on Tuesday.
Aussie team manager Mark Lemon yesterday confirmed he is stable enough to be flown to the UK on a private medical flight. Zapotoczny says the transfer should take place this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
He revealed the rider’s health has improved since Monday and said 2012 world champ Chris Holder and Davey Watt’s presence at Ward’s bedside had given the Queenslander a real lift.
But Zapotoczny was unable to offer any further details on Ward’s condition after his family asked for this to remain private.
The Falubaz doctor said: “First of all, I spoke to Darcy yesterday and his closest family too – I mean his father, who arrived yesterday.
“His father gave no permission to reveal any specific information. George Ward asked me for forbearance because of the family’s pain.
“The condition of Darcy is better than on Monday. His mental condition especially is better and he doesn’t need so much pain relief right now. Davey Watt and Chris Holder are constantly by his side to support him, so Darcy is even able to smile sometimes.
“A transfer to a UK clinic is planned today. The flight will be in a few hours today or tomorrow morning.”
Zapotoczny says doctors should get a greater idea of Ward’s prognosis in the coming months.
He said: “The case is difficult, but there is a glimmer of hope. Hope you cannot take from anybody. Now Darcy faces a very, very intensive process of rehabilitation; psychologically and physically.”
It is hoped Ward could be moved to a clinic within easy reach of his Dorset base, meaning his support network of friends, family and fellow riders will be able to help him through his recovery.
Zapotoczny added: “England was chosen as a place of further treatment because we came to the conclusion that psychological rehabilitation will be the most important thing at the moment.
“It will be better to conduct this in an English-speaking country. Psychological care is difficult, so the patient has to receive this in his mother tongue.
“One of the clinics is located not far from his UK house. He could be surrounded by family and his closest friends. Also the other riders live nearby.”
Courtesy www.speedwaygp.com.