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G'day ,
We lost a great bloke earlier this week, one who personified true Aussie grit - Sam Bailey, aged 58.
My sincere condolences to his family including wife Jenny, his mum and dad, brother Bill, sister Kate, and his many friends.
Sam inspired tens of thousands through his story as a public speaker and his inspirational book Head Over Heels. His courage, resilience, and generosity of spirit have left a legacy that will continue to touch lives for years to come.
It was only a few months ago that I met up with Sam, enjoying a beer or two and a few yarns - he was a bloke that always looked you in the eye, didn't mind you asking him any question about his accident or journey; loved a laugh and seeing the lighter side of life - always a cheeky glint in his eye.
I think these lyric's from Bruce Springsteen's 'Terry's Song' ring true for Sam...
Now your death is upon us and we'll return your ashes to the earth
And I know you'll take comfort in knowing you've been roundly blessed and cursed
But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told
And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold.
Sam's story is a testament to resilience and pure grit - lots of grit. He grew up on the family property in Croppa Creek in Northwest NSW.
In 1987, at 19, '6ft tall and bullet proof', he was working as a jackaroo on Avon Downs Station in the NT. One lazy Sunday afternoon on a day off, he and three mates were driving along a sun baked Barkly Highway when his life changed in a split second...
The accident left him a C6/C7 quadriplegic, paralysed from the chest down with limited use of his arms and hands.
Back home in Croppa Creek, Sam used 'bush mechanics' to build a hoist to access the tractor and harvester; a quad bike for getting around the property and a buggy 'to let off steam' - as well as taking up flying in ultralight aircraft.
Sam's story was picked up by Jenny Black, an ABC Rural Reporter. A true romantic, Sam proposed to Jenny during her show on live radio.
Sam campaigned over the years about the importance of wearing a seat belt. Sam was an ambassador for the Sargood Foundation, which provides support to people living with a spinal cord injury.
He continued to push the boundaries, starting the 'Helifirst' project, aiming to become the first quadriplegic to fly a helicopter. His goal to land his chopper on a Sydney beach and into schools so he could inspire children to pursue their dreams.
Vale. Sam Bailey.
Hooroo for now,
Simon
Founder RFTTE - The Online Campfire | E: simon@rfttejobs.com or simply reply to this newsletter | Subscribe to this newsletter | The RFTTE Story | RFTTE MERCH
OUR SPONSOR THIS WEEK: It’s great to welcome Just Country Australia as a new advertising partner in the newsletter and on the RFTTEJOBS.com website. Known for their quality country work shirts, boots, hats, and western apparel, Just Country is a favourite for anyone living and working in the bush. They have an excellent range for anyone gearing up for a station job — and don’t forget to use code TOPEND343 for their work shirt deal!
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