Hugh Campbell & The Raumati Swimming Club

Hugh,

Penny and I at the College Sports Office are thinking of you and your family. You are an amazing person keep those positive thoughts coming.

Hey hugh, we all miss you, good luck!
=)

Hey Hugh,

Im so sorry to hear what happened… As you are such a strong and determined person i know you will pull through this though. All the best for your recovery, good luck for the times ahead,
and hope to see you when we come to chch in a few weeks time

hey hugh
good luck

hey Hugh we are all missing you, good luck, you have a great spirit

Imagine your doing a 200 fly!!! its bloody hard, but the wall is just up ahead! we are all shouting and cheering you on! and hope you make it to the finish line (which you Will of course) GOOD LUCK! GET BETTER SOON!!!! LOL AND TRY ENJOY THE LAST 50 METRES!!!!
(use this to your advantage hugh, it will be a great story to tell! oh and + its a 1 in a life time opportunity! LITERALLY)

Dear Hugh, I am writing this on behalf of the Hallsmith family and for a group of young swimmers (Luke, Gareth Kean,Georgia Hind, Samantha Lee, Michael Van Zijl)who have just returned from Age Groups. They relayed the news of your accident with horror and disbelief.
As a young talented athlete we believe that you will face the challenging time ahead with courage and determination. You will have plenty of support from your loving family and amazing friends.We are all thinking of you and sending our love and best wishes for a full recovery. Good Luck mate.

all the best hugh we are all missing you and thinking about you!!

Heyaz hugh
Hope you get betta soon. we are all thinking of you and we all know that your gonna be with us in the pool swimming again soon.:) YOU ROCK!!!! 100% COOL AND FUNNY AND A GOOD LEADER AND A GOOD FRIEND AND HEAPS OF OTHER THINGS. soooooo get well soon we all hope 4 the best

hae hugh
hope to c u in da pool sumtime soon hope u cum home with full move ment we al waiting 4 u 2 cum home hope all gos well
luv shelleyxoxo

Hugh we are all with u in this tym hope 2 c ya soon luv Sam

Hey man.

Dude, i leave and you do this!!! what are you doing swimming in the sea anyway! stick to the pool. Whatever you are thinking at the moment, it better be positive otherwise you are doing it all wrong!! when i’m down in chch in april i will pop round to see you and show you my new golf swing (its a beauty). I know you will be hearing this left, right and centre but keep strong and we all know that you are a tough little bugger and that you will make a great recovery (wow! what a stereotype that was. but we know its a true one!) make sure you work the nurses for as much ice cream as possible and i will see you in 3weeks.
Catcha later hughburt!
Brett
p.s. i hope you didnt break your glasses when you did this??!!! jokes

Hey Hugh

good luck hope you have a good recovery!!!

oi hugh from all the locals up in the east coast get better boy! we are all thinking of you and praying for you in chapel! youll be sweet and then we can go to owhia but just stick to the harbour and restrict the diving. your the man so really you will be sweet! this was the best part about matawai the pool was deep and there were no beaches, haha same with tk. bev adele and michelle we send you our love and support love tami and binz xx

HI HUGH ,
BUGGER , KEEP STRONG , DUDE .
THINKING OF YOU AND FAMILY

Hi Hugh, Adele, Bevan and Michelle

Not the same without you all around up here with everything going on. Hugh, constantly thinking about you and know that you have it in you to give 110 per cent and more. Ivana’s really missing her training partner but won’t pinch your parking space now that she has her learners.

Thinking of your all

Helen

PS Adele don’t forget that you are rostered on for the pool hose down next week!

Hugh, a little something to start your day.

There was a blonde driving down the road one day. She glanced to her right and noticed another blonde sitting in a nearby field, rowing a boat with no water in sight.
The blonde angrily pulled her car over and yelled at the rowing blonde, “What do you think you’re doing? It’s things like this that give us blondes a bad name. If I could swim, I’d come out there and kick your butt!”

Have a good day!

Roberts Family

Hey Hugh,
I’ve pretty much thought about you nonstop since hearing the news, and hope that the positive thoughts so many are sending your way make a difference. I’m back in California visiting my Wife, and have arrived just in time to help prepare an evacuation from the forest fire that is about 600m from the house. Seems better today, nothing like what you’re going through.

I know that you’re in the best possible hands and for better or worse, the people there have a lot of experience with these sorts of injuries, so, the experience and professionalism are world-class.

I’m keeping in touch with all the news on my cell phone, and am looking forward to visiting you soon, and seeing you in the water again doing your ‘fake’ start of the set to get the other lanes thinking they’ve missed their time…no one does that one as well as you, and we’ll all be pretty psyched when you’re back at it.

There isn’t a minute that you’re not thought of, and from the support you can see on this page and your Bebo site, know that you’ve got a massive amount of people supporting you and sending you love.

Keep in touch,
Jim

Hugh -

Wishing you a speedy recovery -

My son had a bad accident as well in Sept. Not swimming - Skateboarding..(Semi-pro) and Snapped his femur right in two during a contest. Good Care, Friends and family and His determination had him up surfing and skating in 8 weeks.

Don’t allow anything to stop you from your goals and passions in life.

Get well soon!

Hey Hugh! Kia Kaha mate. These things happen for a reason. All my thoughts are with you and your family and I’m confident your strong spirit will see you through! Love to you, Michelle, Adele and Bevan. Gabs

Hi Hugh

Thinking and praying for you and your family. I’m sure you have the same guts and determination as your old man. Kia kaha!

hey hugh all the best love to you and all the family.thinking of you!

Hugh
Visualize yourself strong, whole and well and your body will follow your spirit and intention. The mind is powerful and the body responds to healing messages you — and all your friends and wellwishers — send it.
Be well.

hey Hugh

long time know see. i thought the next time id hear something about you would be that you had broken the world record for butterfly. but this wow.
im sure if you keep your spirits up and you stay positive and ofcourse have your loving family around you, you’ll make a full recovery in know time.
be strong hugh because im sure everyone in Kapiti need you back a.s.a.p

best wishes to you, adele, beven and Michelle

Gemma Jill Lucy and Chris

Hi Hugh, you are constantly on our minds and hope that each day is getting better for you. You have proved how strong you are by what you have achieved over the last few years and that will continue!
The human spirit is like the Ocean, Powerful, Risilient and Unlimited. You have that Hugh and it will help you to overcome this.

Our thoughts also to Michelle, Mum and Dad

Viv, Sarah, Kelly and Hamish Davidson

Hugh, Adele, Bevan and Michelle
Thinking of you all in these hard times and glad to hear of the more positive update. Hard to understand how such an ordinary activity can have such an extraordinary and devastating outcome…
Keep positive, we are cheering for you
Kia kaha

Carthew Family

Hi Hugh.

Glad to hear news is improving daily.
We’re all gunning for you!

Get well.

Christine.

Hugh, greetings from the Chicago area. I live in Woodstock, Ill. - 65 miles from downtown Chicago. Sending you positive, healing energy for a speedy and complete recovery. Find a good, local hypnotherapist and enroll him/her in doing some internal, spiritual healing of your body parts, while the docs are doing their thing. Every day visualize your body healing itself and returning to a state of great health! You can use your mind to heal your body in ways that will amaze your medical team. Best wishes!

Hey Hugh(Greerton buddy)
So swy to hear what happened, ur an awesome person and we know how strong u are. we at capital hope 2 c u as soon as possible and we want to let u know wea thinking of u!

Hugh and family.
I heard of your situation thru my friend Sue Gibson in Wgtn, I recently moved from Wgtn to ChCh under difficult circumstances and would like to extend to your family my best wishes.
I can offer your family accommodation in my home in ChCh if it would be of assistance, or if there is anything I can do to assist please dont hesitiate to contact me. 027 321 9202
Paula

Hey Mate,

I don’t know you, but i know Jim your coach and he speaks extremely highly of you so im holding you in very high regard. I play water polo too, so your part of the polo family. Im in the NZ Mens squad and we play Great Britian tonight. You’ll be in my thoughts tonight bro, this country needs more athletes like you. Keep your head up and stay strong brotha.

Peace,

Eamon Lui

Hey Hugh,
I’m a friend and former employee of Jims and I heard about your story and I just wanted to express my well wishes to you. I heard you are going to amazing polo player and I hope you have a speedy recovery. I’m going to be heading to NZ this July and I hope to meet you upon my arrival!

GET WELL!!!

Sincerely,
Casey

On behalf of the membership of Swimming New Zealand I wish you all the best in your recovery Hugh.

The goal setting, focus and determination which you have learnt through this fantastic sport of swimming will hold you in good stead during your recovery.

Keep positive! We are all behind you supporting you during your recovery.

Kindest regards

Paul Veric
CEO
Swimming New Zealand

Hi Hugh,

I’m a friend of Jim’s and I just heard about your accident and wanted to send my best wishes to you for a great recovery. A lot of folks whom you don’t even know are pulling for you.

Manny

My thoughts are with you and the family.

Hugh,

I am a friend of Jim’s and when he told me the news, I wanted to send you my love and to let you know that your extended ‘family’ is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I am wishing you the speediest of recoveries. Stay strong - we’re rooting for you.

Love,
Jennifer

So sorry to hear what happened Hugh, keep strong and wish u a speedy recovery:)

Hey Hugh, you did not deserve this. Our family have been thinking of you and reading your updates. Good to hear that news is improving. Stay positive and we will see you back at Paraparaumu College soon.

Hey Hugh!

I don’t really know what to say here…but basically its a ‘i hope you get better soon’ thing. I’m keeping a watch on this to see how your going, and hopefully its all good news. Were all pushing for you man. Get better soon.

Michael

Hey there Hugh,

Was stink to hear of your mishap bud. Know that there are so so many people thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts at every hour of the day. We look forward to hearing of your progress as it’s already been so promising.

To Adele, Bevan and Michelle… You guys are awesome. Hugh couldn’t ask for a better support crew. Take care

Clare Thorley

Hi Hugh ,
With me taking the squad while jim’s away who’s going to question the sets i put up (mr know all ) .Also we will keep practising our golf so we will be ready for your return .

Catch you later
Michael and Dale.

Hughy!

Long time no see, but us swimmers stick together and we are all thinking of you! I still remember you swimming right behind me (or infront) every training session and nailing every set- Your a tough guy, stay strong and remember you have all of our support.

From Alice

Hey Hugh

Your an amazing person with amazing strength of character, always finding a positive out of negative. You are one of best role models a coach could ever wish for nuturing the newbees and supporting your peers, now its our turn to support you and your family.

Wishing you strength and all the positives possible

Henrietta, Ray, Karl and Marc

Hey Hugh,

Thinking and praying for ya all the way down in invercargill mate! Keep going hard with ya recovery, you have a ton of determination and strength i know and you can get through this!

Emma

Hughie love u lots!!the johnson whanau ben thinking of you nonstop and we wish u all the best , so get better kk so u kan kum up and stay and you can tell me more of those lamo jokes that you always have but i would still laugh because i found them hilarious!! and we can reminiss about the time wen me n u tryed to make a bombfire and we ate all the marshmellows b4 the others came down to the beach…lots of love to Bev and Adele and ov course Michelle! x0×0x0×0x0×0x

Hey hugh Just like to say everyone at capital is backing you we always notice how happy and determined you are around poolside and know you can make it! we are your number 1 support crew even if you do go to Raumati and will all be thinking and swimming for you at opens!

Hey Hugh

You have been in our thoughts constantly since the weekend. Be strong and stay positive. There are so many people wishing you a safe and full recovery.
Bevan, Adele and Michelle - take care and know that we are thinking of you every day.

Ross, Bronnie, Brent, Aimee and Kate.

Hi everyone. I am Hugh’s Dad. Hugh’s sister, Michelle and Adele, his mother and I have just finished reading all these beautiful messages of support. They help us hugely and I know that they will help Hugh too. We will print them off and read them to him tomorrow. Unfortunately they do not allow PCs or Lappies in ICU so it has to be a paper copy. Yes he does have very serious injuries, which a great worry to us but there is a real hope that he will walk again. Whatever happens it will be a long slow journey(5 to 6 months) The family would like to thank Paul, Dale, Ivana, Chris for the help they gave Hughie on the Beach and at Wellington Hospital. You were incredible!!!!Not only did you save his life but by your “Life Guard” actions you minimised futher damage to his neck. You are his good mates and always will be!!!! We also wish to thank everyone for the love an support that is being given to Hugh. It has been amazing to be on the receiving end of so much generosity and love. Thank you from the Campbell Family.

hae there Hugh, i really can’t beleive this has happened u didnt deserve it all the dreamz and goalz u had set and now this massive obstacle has been put ryt infront ov u. Remember in swimming we used to talk about obstacles like not being able to make 8 training sesionz etc and how we could overcome them well just thnk ov it like that m8 i know its an extremly huge 1 but with all the love and support u have 4m family and friendz u can get through this and i know with your strong personality you will 1 day accomplish your many goalz and dreamz. be strong and just remember 2 alwayz think positive! thnking about you every minute ov the day goodluck and get better soon! love 4m kelz p.s i will send up your spot prize from the triathlon rest up x0

Hey Hugh,
We were absolutely gutted to hear about your accident but if there is hope for a good recovery we know u will get there. it will take time but as we can see from all these beautiful messages u have amazing support that will help u get through this.
what doesn’t kill us can only make us stronger. if you can get yourself back in that pool, i believe as a result of this huge obstacle your passion and appreciation for your swimming will be sky high and u will achieve any goal u set for yourself.
Hang in there, keep looking foward and never back.
Love to Adele and the rest of the family.

Sarah and James
xxx

Hey Hugh!

I’m so sorry this happened. But i really think you can win this ‘fight’, you have so many people who are going to help you pull through so keep positive and remember that we all love you and are hurting with you.
Just think of this as a break from swimming heehee, you’ll be back in no time.

We love ya buddy

Hey Hughey,

This is an unusual way to get a girls attention, but it certainly worked boy!!

Remember all the things that we learnt back when we were swimming together in lane 5 with good ole Henny. Think positive, look forward not back, and believe in yourself everyday, and in everything that you do. You were the one that was always in the pool first for warmup and you were always the one that would be so determined to train hard and make the times that you had set urself. Your determination and passion has always been so obvious in everything that you do. So keep positive and keep smiling boy!! I’ll be up to see you in a couple of weeks when we get a break from uni.
Adele, Bevan and Michelle- You are the greatest people and Hugh is in the best possible hands, with the greatest support. Your love as a family is so strong that together you can overcome anything. Thinking of you everyday, take care, xxx

To Campbell Family
Thoughts with you all and hope it goes well on Friday.

Looks like you’ve got some good mates there Hugh. Good luck and see you back in Wgtn soon.

All at Capital Swim

To Hugh and the Campbell Family

I was in Auckland at the time when I heard the news. I was absolutly shocked when I found out.

I hope you make a good recovery buddy and keep up that fighting spirit. Looking forward to more Breaststroke battles in the future.

Brad Hudson

Hiya

Hugh man I didn’t realise you had so many admirers look at this page!! Want you to know that your filling my thoughts and that I’m sending you all my positive vibes (these may also help with your super 14 picks so use them wisely haha). You’re such an awesome person and I admire your spirit and your courage during this time.

Take care, stay strong and remember that your family and all of your friends are here to help you get through this. You will get through this.

Catch you later dude

Hey Hugh,

Jim Floerchinger emailed and told me of your accident, man I’m so sorry, but Don’t lose faith, things will start getting better sooner than you think, believe me. 1 year and 4 months ago I was in a huge car accident. Broke both arms, my jaw in 2 places, teeth knocked out… etc (Jim can fill you in). Now I’m playing for my Mens provincial polo team, in the starting 7 too. So keep your head up, anything is possibly with a little hope and faith!! Good luck, my thoughts and prayers are with you!! get better soon, everyone is rooting for you

cheers,
nic

To the Campbell family
Roger and Shirley rang and told us your shocking news -our hearts go out to all of you at this time. Reading those messages …you have an amazing number of people who care about you guys and rightly so. Our thoughts are with you. We are praying for a positive outcome to all of this for the long term. Stay strong.
Love Jo-Anne, Alan, Sam and Michelle Bisset

Hey Hugh
Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you and sending you heaps and heaps of positive vibes. I always remember your enthusiasm and energy from when we used to swim together back in the day lol and I know you’ll face this with courage and determination.
Supporting you all the way, Lauren.

Hi Hugh

Just to add to the support and care about you and your family. You are an amazing guy who will look at this as just an obstacle, I am sure you won’t let it beat you. Our thoughts are with you and Adele, Bevan and Michelle. All of you stay strong and win this battle.
Lots of love Cathy (Mrs Lawry to you Hugh!), Gary, Emma and Brooke xx
Ps: Hugh, remember when you let Brooke play cricket with you outside the pool along with Brett and Vincent etc lat year? She is currently on camp but has told me when she comes back she is going to send you a picture!

Hey Hugh

This one is sooo lame it must make you laugh.

A policeman pulled a blonde over after he/she’d been driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Cop: Do you know where you were going?

Blonde: No, but wherever it is, it must be bad because all the cars were leaving.

Keep the good news coming.

Hi Hugh,I really don’t no what to say at a time like this but wanted to let you and Michelle,Bevan,and Adele know that we are thinking of you.You have the biggest surport team I have ever seen,and with your mum dad and Michelle right there helping you along the way hopefully it will make things a little easier.Best of luck.Hope to see you swimming for NZ soon.Take care.The dunce family.

To Hugh and His family,you do not know us nor do we know you.We are Christopher’s grandparents and he has just told us about the injury that you have suffered.We hope that you make a good and speedy recovery and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hi Hugh & Family

Wow, talk about taking the wind out of everybody’s sails. Heard the shocking news thru the normal swimming channels.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these trying times, reading all the previous entries it would be fair to say you’ve got everyone putting their thinking caps on.

Hugh you’re a tough little buggar and we know just how devoted and committed to your swimming you are, we will see you poolside in the future, in the meantime take great care of each other and stay strong.

Cheers, The Gatfield Family

Hugh,

My thoughts are with you and your family over this difficult time. Best of luck for the op on Firday, Stay strong and positive and you will get through this.

Brent Harvey

Hey bro Good luck and stay stong we know you can do it

Dear Hugh,Adele,Michelle and Bevan
Our families thoughts are with you and I know Jake and the other ‘younger’ swimmers are really missing you as their friend and mentor. A close friend of mine was in Burwood for 7 months last year after a cycle accident and it is a really special place where you will find so much love, care and support.Everyone in Raumati sends so many positive thoughts it has to add up to something!Good luck for Friday and we will all be thinking of you all.
Jan,Tess and Dave Allen

Hey Hugh,
Sorry to hear that this has happened to you. You are a strong person, you have repeatedly demonstrated that. Take strength from knowing that a lot of people are thinking of you and your family, and really looking forward to seeing you all back on deck.

Julie Laurenson

To our adopted son - Hugh, Huge or Hughburt Cumberdale as we prefer to call you………you are an extremely positive and strong young man -never under estimate the power of the body and mind that will come to the fore as you recover in the months to come. We know you will be strong and push really hard to bounce back from the accident. We are all gutted, no moreso than your best mate and ex training buddy now based in Dunedin. No doubt Shane is in touch on the bebo site (whatever that is!) He is lookin forward to catching up with you around Youth & Opens time. You have an amazing family and as you can see you are extremely popular - look at the neat comments and best wishes on this site. Stay strong our adopted son! Luv The Patience Family

Hugh (and family)

We wish you the very best outcome from all of this.
You have all the tools you need : Patience, Perseverance, Determination, Love and Support.

Keep on going, all the way.

Abi, Tom, Bradley, Courtney and Maia Richmond

Hi Hugh.
The Brisbane Team are in there batting for you -
we are anxiously awaiting news of your progress
and send you our love. Don’t stress about your
operation, that’s the first big step to getting you
on the road again. We can see that you have an
amazing amount of supporters and they will be there for the long haul.
With love to you, Mum, Dad and Michelle

hey bruda, stay strong and me n choppa, sam , lucy will try 2 get n2 c u soon k g!
evry1 at da uni hea u no are thinkn bout u,
stay hard
henry

Hello Hugh

Never again do I want to receive a phonecall like I received on Saturday night. It was devastating to say the very least. It is hard to add to the flowing tributes already on this site but you are strong and you may need to dig deep at times but you will overcome the challenge before you. You have a wonderful loving family to help you through this and a very caring community. Stay focused.
Kerry & Shane’s Nan

Hi Hugh, Adele, Bevan and Michelle

We were so shocked to hear about your accident, Hugh. We’re thinking of you all the time and wishing you the very best for your recovery. We look forward to hearing of your progress.

Love to you all, Ellie & Peter Huse

A few swimmers mentioned your injury…i am absolutely sure that you will approach this in a positive way, applying the same level of dedication to your rehab as you have demonstrated in your training. All the best as you learn more about your prognosis…

Hugh we miss you so much you’ve gotta get better and come back to us. The whole of seventh form is absolutly devestated - and the three girls you sit with in bio spend most the time looking at your empty seat and crying. Things just arn’t right without ya so you better bloody get better asap!!!! we all know that if anyone can get through this you can and we are all thinking of you all the time. We all just in shock mate- you are such an awsome guy. Anyway stay strong mate (cause im sooooo not handling this lol havn’t cryed this much 4 quite a while) and remember that we all love you and want you to get better and we know you can.

Also thankyou to Hugh’s family for keeping us all updated - we are worried sick and its really comforting to hear of hughs progress.

Anyway stay strong Hugh and focuss on getting better but don’t you think for a moment we have forgotten you - we can’t really think about much else.

Love ya sooooo much hugh - come back to us ASAP!

Hi Hugh,

We’ve just come from our team meeting here at the NZ teams pre Worlds camp in Thredbo, where we were told about your accident.
We were all really sad to hear of it and of how you will be out of action (swimming) for a bit.
Hopefully you may be able to get along to nationals as we know you are in Christchurch at the moment, either that or we might be able to visit.
We just want to let you know that we are thinking of you mate and all the best for a speedy recovery!
Dean, Corn, and Maca

Hey Huge Cumball!!

hey dude that is so crazy and not fair on you.Anyway we will be thinking of you while we’re swimming and hope you have a huge speedy recovery and be back in the pool wasting us again. we might catch up with you in chch and see how your doing, if the que isnt too long haha. get well soon man!!!!! cya hugh

Gidday Hugh, Adele, Bevan & Michelle
Like everyone we were gutted to hear the news and you are constantly in our thoughts. Our church and others are praying for you and will be particularly for Friday. This will take a little longer than those 1500s you wanted to flag Hugh but we know you will do it - all swimmers know about perseverance and digging in. Go hard. All our love Jan, Mark, Jenny & co.

Hi Hugh, Bevan, Adele & Michelle,

We have both been thinking of you constantly. Our phone has been running hot with all the guys at OK Principals calling for updates.

Stay strong and know that you have all been in the hearts of many many people.

Aroha nui

Geoff & Victoria

Hi Hugh,
Brian, Matt, Aaron, Jono, Andy and I are thinking of you everyday and wish you all the best with your recovery.
DON’T QUIT
When things go wrong
as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging
seems all uphill,
When the funds are low,
and the debts are high,
And you want to smile,But you have to sigh,
When care is pressing
you down a bit,
Rest if you must,
but don’t you quit.
Success is failure
turned inside out,
The silver tint
of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell
how close you are,
It may be near
when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight
when you’re hardest hit.
It’s when things go wrong
that you musn’t quit.

You are strong and we all know you can do it.

Give our regards to Mum, Dad and Michelle

Love
Lynn Sherborne

P.S. THOUGHT WE’D BETTER TELL YOU THTAT YOUR A TOUGH LITTLE BUGGER SINCE EVERYBODY ELSE IS….GET WEL SOON MR “HUGE CANNONBALL”

Hugh, I’ve heard of innovative ways of avoiding lessons but really… (just kidding)
We are all thinking of you and praying for you at this time.
As an athlete you will know how to dig in and take yourself to that place you go to when you are in the zone.
You are in the race of your life and by the looks of things you have enough supporters to fill the Westapc stadium. Go hard and be strong.

hey hugh
sorry to hear about what happened, it wasnt fair. hope you get better really soon and maybe we can come and pop in when we come down to christchurch! hope to see you back in the pool soon too. thinking of you and stay strong ok!
from sam

Hi hugh, i was really sorry to hear the bad news. Everyone at nags was really guttered to hear it. Me and everyone at Capital will be Thinking of u!!!

Hi Hugh

Just utter disbelief on hearing of your situation, our thoughts are very much with you and your family.
Believe & stay strong, with all the support you can beat this.

Best wishes
Lisa, Samantha & Jasmine Lee & family

hey hugh!
Sorry to hear the news, but everyone is supportive and are awaiting news on how your getting along. Good luck for your op on friday we will all be thinking of you back here in welly. Im looking foward to being able to visit you down in Christchurch along with the rest of Capital! Go for GOLD mate!!!

Hugh
Just want to say all the best for your operation on Friday. You have been in our families thoughts and prayers since we heard on Saturday about your accident. We are following your progress on a daily basis, as is most of college,and getting excited when we hear a further advancement such as your finger moving. The strength of love from your family and the support from all your mates at college will get you through this Hugh. You are so lucky to have such awesome parents and although you may not want to admit it a rather awesome sister too. Tell her hockey trials went well and that you saved her from having to do the thing she loves the most at trials- the dreaded BEEP test!! I might be mean and arrange a special one for her when she returns - just kidding.
Stay strong.
Shirley, Roger, Katherine, Erica, David and Philippa

Here’s another one coming

What do you call a song sung in an automobile?

A cartoon.

ha made you laugh made you laugh

Good luck for today

hehe hers an even better joke

Whats pink and fluffy????
Pink fluff hahahahahaha

hey u stole my joke!

JOKE: whats green and brown and if it fell out of a tree it may killy you?

hahah a pool table!

good luck for friday hun xx

Hi Hugh, Bev, Adele and Michelle
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all - have just found this website - great idea!!
You’ve got a huge number of people sending positive thoughts through - the strength you have as individuals and as a family will see you through.
All the best for the op - will look up some jokes to send through.

Love you all

Linda, Tom, Tami, Caitey and Zoe.xoxoxoxoxox

Hi: Hugh, Adele, Michelle and Bevan. Keep the chipper up. You’re all great guys - stay strong! Best wishes for tomorrow.

Hi there Hugh

I am not sure if I actually know you, but from reading all these messages you are obviously a very strong and determined character! I swim for Capital and was really sorry to hear of your accident. All the best for your op tomorrow, and kindest regards to your family.

Kirsten Cameron

Hey Hugh

I’ll swim my hardest for you at Div2 next week. We miss you at the pool and hope you are back there soon. This really sux but we know you’ll be trying your hardest to get better.Thinking of you, Get Well!!!
Joseph And William

Hutt Waterpolo Clubs best wished go to you Hugh and your family. Great you scored 2 goals in your first game so we look forward to welcoming you back to waterpolo and soon as you are well. I watched your team play last night and I know they played for you. Our best wishes. Cheryl McGuinness Chairman Hutt waterpolo and all our members.

Hi Hugh,
All the best for the operation tomorrow - you’ve never been the complaining type and I’m sure you’re going to get through this positively. To Bevan, Adele, Hugh and Michelle, you’ve always willingly given so much of yourselves to others … now its our chance to ‘pay it back’. You know there is a cast of thousands wishing you all the best for the coming days and the next stage tomorrow. We’re thinking of you all down there.

Mark, Julia, Willy and Mags

Hi Hugh, Adele, Bevan and Michelle,

Get Well Soon Hugh,

From Zoe

Hi Hugh,

You wouldn’t know me, but my son(Jack Waelend) used to swim in the breastroke events with you at times…you usually beat him.

I’ve watched your progress over the years with interest. You have made astonishing progress, and I often refer to you, your perseverence and character when encouraging other young swimmers to persevere. I pointed you out at Manawatu Champs to a youngster, and said, “That’s the guy I was referring to”

So, we are so very sorry to hear of this accident, and pray for a complete recovery for you. There are times when you just have to trust in God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

God bless you and thinking of your family too.

Nicole

Hi all,
All the best for the op tomorrow Hugh, your an awesome family and one of many strengths, we’re thinking of you all and wish you the very best. Stay strong.

Coates Family

huge cumberdales upd8! 0 minutes ago

he um well… hughs operation has been delayed till mondae or anytime from then through to next fridae but its not because he isnt progressin its because there is other spinal patients that r in more need than hugh! sounds amazin but tru! lol in a gud wae thats gud becoz that means hugh isnt tha worst of cases…. hes still bright but he slept most of the day. he had quite a few visitors today thanks chalrie susan and his matawai and te karaka buddies from tha east coast hu no go to uni here came nd sed hello wch was nyce thanks sam michael and henry he lufed it. he hasnt lost anymore movment so far wich was gud. havnt been able to read ne otes to hu todae because he has been sleepin. Hugh recieved the 7th form card wch he was chuffed bout as well as the photos and good wishes! thanx guys! he has his own place 4 all the cards so theres quite a big pile stackin up already!
HUGHS LOOKIN FORWARD TO WATCHN GREYS ANATOMY 2NYT ON HIS NU PLASMA SCREEN. lol. Doctors say hughs doing gr8! he is relli tryin. he asks his sister all the tym… “wat do my blu numbers say?” (these r oxygen intake numbers) “94″ i say then he takes a big breath and another, nd there it goes shootin up 2 99 wch is gr8 he is tryin sooo hard!
thanks ageain guys 4 the gifts! Hugh loves his cards and things from the year 13s
cheers michelle, bevan and adele!
(thanks sam henry and michael for the dvds and all that jazz lol also the petrol vochers and book vochers frm the griffens! thanks heaps. there is so many more ppl hu have sent stuff but i wouuld be up allnyt naming it all lol) thanks agen.

Hi Bevan, Adele, Hugh and Michelle

Sorry to hear about the tragic swimming accident,
the support you all have here (website) just shows what a wonderful family you all are.
I’m sure with all the positive messages and attitudes the operation tomorrow will produce positive news.

“Positively Campbell family”

All the best the Saville Family

Hey hugh
Hope u get better soon!!!!!!!
We r all missing u up here so come
back as soon as possible.
Heaps of luv - Abbey xo

Gidday Hugh

Man this sux bro. Your a tuff lil bloke though I wish ya the best 4 a quick recovery man hope to see ya soon.
Best of luk hugh
We’re all wishing ya the best man!

Matt

Hi Hugh - thought you might like to know that I marked your stats assignment and it was really good (just to keep the subject on maths!) - it was at Merit level so when you get back to us we’ll look at the Excellence - nothing like some lovely stats to look forward to! Sending all positive vibes.

wat up dogg
this ur main man dale hope u all goods mate we all here for u
i’m taking ur bat up to wanganui for a game it better score me a hundred or ur in trouble kid
stay strong big boi

LUV U dale

hey hugh!!

sorry to hear about your accident hope your recovery goes well!! thinking about you heaps! draw strength from your family and maintain your positive attitiude to life!!

our love thoughts and prayers are with you all

Kia Kaha

love Bill Jacqui Casey and Deeahn xxx

Hi Hugh, Michelle, Adele and Bevan

We are thinking about you heaps, and it’s awesome knowing you are all feeling the power of positive thoughts and prayers.
Hang in there - tons of LOVE

Ann-Louise, Nev, Bronnie, Olivia and Phoebe

Dear Hugh,
Good luck for Monday and your operation.
Stay as committed and positive as you are.
As you can see there are dozens of families out there offering their support and best wishes, which I am sure will help you.
We look forward to seeing you at easter as we will be down in Christchurch that weekend.
99 channels must be really difficult to manage on sky, but I am sure you will do your best.
Personally, Tony recommends the racing channel, Michelle, as you can probably guess, would advise the movie channel and Carol is also a great Grey’s Anatomy fan as well.
To Adele, Bevan & Michelle.
We are thinking of you also, and what a great support team Hugh has!

Hi Bevan, Adele , Michelle and of course Hugh
You have been in our thoughts constantly since Saturday, we wish Hugh all the best for his operation tomorrow, the whole community is with you on this journey,
Love Jo, Paul, Kate and Alice

To Hugh

Heres another great joke except this 1 is made up by mwa

There was a one stiry house
But it was a loooooooooooong story hahahaha

Hello hubichair lol
Swum tha 50 fly on tuesday gt a 31 alryt but im getin the 29 that u tld me 2 get at div 2!!! Weve had nuthin bt gud news so far its great. Me dale nd varna are workin on sumthin 4 u at tha mo bt im goin 2 div2 on tuesday so it will hav 2 get postponed 4 a week bt im sure ull like it.
thinkin of u bro
Chris Norris

o and i think samantha ment **story** nt stiry bt u neva no with her lol

Hi Hugh

We don’t know you but have just heard of your accident through Hutt Water Polo club, and just wanted to say how much we wish you a very speedy recovery. We are thinking of you and send lots of very positive thoughts from our family and the Hutt club and I’m sure all the water polo community.

Trish, Holona, Ciara, Eamon and Conor Lui

My little daughter has watched you senior guys swim after her training and one day aspires to be as good as you. She has particularly
watched Hugh and Shane battle it out together doing butterfly.
All the very best with this battle Hugh, you are a great athlete, you are strong and you are a competitor. We look forward to seeing you in the pool again soon.
We look forward to seeing your mums smiling face around the pool too. All the very best with your op and your rehab. Take Care everyone in Kapiti is thinking of you. Best Wishes
Angela & Paige Enoka

Hey Hugh

Seen you swim a few times at Wellington Champs over the last 2 years. My daughter Stacee Sturm swims for Watties.

Sorry to hear what has happened to you. Hope your recovery is speedy. Stay strong and positive and with all the supportive and loving comments you’re getting in here, you ve got a real good head start.

Take care and hope to see you back in action sometime.

Regards

CS

Hi Hugh, you are a strong kid you will beat this no probs. I’ve just read all the mail you have so far received and you are one very popular boy. You are an inspiration to all the kids at raumati. Tuesday night wasn’t the same without you and your mum there but all the kids swam for you and they done great. We are all looking forward to the day we see you back in that pool. To Adele, Bevan and Michelle, Hugh is so lucky to have an amazing family.
Thinking of you all every day
lDonna

To our aquatic brother Hugh (aka HUGE)

I am sure it wasn’t part of your plan Hugh but we have trained extra hard this week because of you!
You are highly regarded by us all because of your spirit, determination and competitiveness and we expect you will apply those qualities to getting back on your feet. A bit of visualisation can go a long way!
The Coaching Staff here have agreed that when you get back in the water we would like you to come in and take up our offer of some free lessons in dive-start practice! (a transfer form is also attached!!)
We wish you the fastest recovery (a NZ Record would be good) and we are thinking of you everyday.
Peace.

Huge you old fart,
Your water polo team got thrashed some huge number to one i think, then we played heaps better and came and lost 9 - 4 in our second game, the funny thing is your still our top goal scorer…your teamates did you proud, getting roughed up a bit but great fun.

Hugh you are a legend old boy - It was great to see you being so strong and keeping your sense of humour !! What a cool family youve got - what some people will do to get famous.
xxxxx

Dear Hugh (and Bevan, Adele and Michelle)

It says something for your global fame that I managed to hear about your accident in the cold depths of London. While I was so sad to get the news, I don’t think I could name a single person who would be better equipped to deal with such a challenge. I wish you the speediest recovery possible Hugh, though it looks like you’re going to need a good few weeks just to get through all notes from well wishers!

get well soon

I am a student of Paul Humphrey’s class and heard all about you. I heard you are a amazing person, and I hope you will get well as soon as possible. Best wishes, Andrew

hi Hugh Paul Humphrey has told us all about you and what happend am a student in his class.

Get well soon

I hope you feel better now lol

get better,

peace out

do you know im in Paul Humphrey’s class. i just wanna say get WeLl SoOn!!!

wish YOU LUCk!!! $

Hi Hugh,
Sorry to hear what happened, and hope that you make a speedy recovery and are back on poolside in no time! hang in there and stay positive!
To Bevan and Adele, our thoughts are with you during this hard time!

All the best,

Glenn.

Hey Hugh,

So sad to hear about what happend to you, but along with all the other hundreds of people that are leaving messages for you i know that you are truely an amazingly optimistic person and know that if anyone would come out of something like this a much stronger (and if its possible better) person it would be you hugh!!! wishing you a speedy recovery!!!

and to hughs family it is great that you have so many people to help you out in your time of need.
wishing you all the best

And how great was greys anatomy hugh!!

Hi Hugh,
We were so sad to hear the news of your accident (in this far flung corner of the world news travels slowly) - OK so its Melbourne - what can we say?
We hardly have words to express how much we hope for your speedy recovery and agree with all the amazing comments about you.
Adele, Bevan and Michelle-our thoughts are with you.
Bryan and Rhonda Graham

Hi Hugh just read up date about movement in your arms and shoulders that is the best news!! Dayna and I look forward to readying the updates everyday. Look forward to more good news tomorrow. As dayna would say you ROCK!!
Donna and Dayna

Hugh,
Great news today, so good to be able to read the updates on the web.
Thinking of you and all the family.

Heard about the movement. KEEP IT UP. This is just the first few sets of a brutal workout…the ones that you’ve chewed up and spat out many, many times before.

Think of you lots, continuing to send the positive thoughts your direction.

Hugh,

I am a good friend of the new American water polo coach, James Floerchinger and when he mentioned that there was a great young person who need encouragment to help him improve - I knew I needed to write. My family and I live in Orange, California.

I appears that you have many people there in NZ who really care about you and want you go get better. You keep on working at getting better! There are so many advances in the field of spinal injuries that you are actually fortunate that you weren’t injured many years ago.

I know of one instances personally where the doctors told a man I know that after he fell off of a horse that he would never walk again. Last week, he walked up the stairs to our office. This guy was over 50 when he was injured and he is now about 10 years older - but the important thing to keep in mind is that he walked. When everyone told him he wouldn’t, he didn’t accept it and continued to push forward.

So - keep improving - one day at a time.

When you come to California - we sure would like to meet you.

Annette Clark and Family.

Hi Hugh!

You don’t know me, but I know you:). I’m Jim’s wife. He has been talking a lot about you since he got here… no worries, all positive… There are a lot of people who care about you and are rooting for you. I hear you have lots of spirit so I am confident you’ll be back on your feet before you know it. I sometimes teach kickboxing, so I am counting on kicking your ass in my class some day. Hang in there and I look forward to meeting you in May when I arrive to NZ.

Love
Ivana

hugh mate….
wow im really sorry to hear bot ur accident but u already know i am semms i knew ages ago but i just read breet newalls comment hahaha what a crak up i bet u had a few laughs with that one lol…
well u know that everyone is here for you hubert cumberdale i mean WOAH look at all the comments your getting not only on here but on bebo!!!keep strong my main man and u can get through this!!!ur making awesome progress already…..keep it up bud!!

shaneO

Hey Hugh
You’ve really out done me and I now think of a broken leg as nothing!
Best of luck for a speedy recovery and be strong with lots of positive thoughts! it can only go up from here

Sally

dale

bloody great to hear ur progress kid, keep working hard
its not over keep strong

Got 25 wit ur bat dnt worry i go to ur house and borrow golf clubs tomorrow sweet as just kidding got u again at club night chris got a 31 for 50 fly i make him go under the 30 for u

Bloody good hugh so ya be back swimming soon then all the best jake

Hay hugh great to hear bowt the movment u gt u must br tryin real hard which is gud!!!! Keep it up and you’ll be on your feet in no time
Stay Strong
Chris

Hey hugh
Hope you doing all good. We were so shocked to hear about what happened and our best wishes go out to you!!! You made it to chch before everyone else, thats a good start and your probably going to have heapz of visitors in a couple of weekz. Anyway we hope u stay strong and keep improving. Keep thinking positively. Thnx for being a kool mate when i was at Raumati
Keep it real
Kelsey and Alison Lane

Urika you scratched your chest tonight…. awesome Hugh, that gives you and us so much to strive for.

Thinking and sending postives thoughts

Henrietta

hae hugh…
I heard bout what happened to you at the nags after pary and I was guttered….
hope you get better and all the best for your op on friday….
keep strong bro!!!!

Hugh,

We are really stunned to hear of your accident. We know what a great competitor you are and hope that your determination will mean you can recover quickly and be back in the pool again soon.

Neil

Hugh, Boy you don’t half know how to get the heart racing.

We’re all and I mean ‘ALL’ flying high with the progress you have made, you are one determined young man

Your parents have so got thier hands full, I mean with Michelle of course, you’re a breeze for them…….

Thinking of you constantly

Norris Clan

Hey Hugh, Bevan, Adele and Michelle,

How overwhelming is the support and love you have recieved from your friends and those from around the world that you don’t even know! What a fitting response for an amazing family. We know that your positive attitude and love for life will ensure the quickest recovery in history!!!
All our love and best wishes,
Karen (aka Miss Wetini) and Daniel (aka the guy who turns up with her!)

you have to be asked, all these posh people…now you can scratch your chest can you pick your nose? if not thats the next challenge.

awsome news mate sounds like your making good progress!!! Looking forward to hear about your next improvements.

best wishes. Gareth

Keep It Up Bro.
All The Best

P.S Whats Your Bebo Url..?

Write to your Blog

Hughbichairs l8est up d8! 0 minutes ago

Hugh had a good day today. his physio was realli happy with him as he can move shoulders and arms in quite a few diffeernt ways but havnt moved fingers at all snce doc came and saw him the other day or hands. he talked a lot today but whenever i (michelle) went to c him he fell asleep the bastard i cnt b tht borin lol hehe. Appers to have signs of sum sensation i n torso and thigh but not absolutly certain…. we hoping opertion mondae but prtty sure it wont b till l8a on in the week well yea thts bout it relli o and the whole nz swim team sent him a fax with ther own personal comment to hugghy!!!!!! mad huh? well yea cya cmpbel family

hughs bebo is
http://hughbichair3.bebo.com

hey hugh , what progress . Said to paul why did we scratch u from youth & opens .Mind u funny way of tapering but at least u r in chch preparing. At this rate we aren’t going to get much golf in b4 u back on the course .

c u Michael Mac

Remember an old guy swimming with you for a few sessions before your accident? Wrinkles. Hairy chest. I’m that guy (you lapped almost every minute). The last thing I saw you do was an impressive 25m underwater backstroke dolphin kick demo during morning training. I’d like to see that again mate and I’m looking forward to it. And I’d like to see you swimming when you’re a wrinkly too - you’d be awesome. Get well soon Hugh. You’ll be lapping me again before you know it………..

Richard Swallow
MASTERTON MASTERS

hae hugh jst 2 sae hpe 2 c u back in the wata very soon

Hi Hugh,Adele, Bevan and Michelle, Kay and Trevor. You have been in our thoughts so much.We have been in the same situation and it took a lot of very hard work and frustration and sometimes it seemed that not much progress was happening and that it was definately not happening anywhere quickly enough!! On looking back, each day there was just some small progress,you are an awesome family, with your love and that strength of character our community has seen in you all and the love and most positive thoughts from everyone who knows you we know through experience, you will do it.I have lost a lot of sleep over you Hugh! Lots of love, Marie, Codey,Ryan and all the Jervis/Wahren families

Hugh this webpage is more addictive than corrie? well maybe not quite that much, maybe payton place? i know its an old person thing…we need those arms for the water polo team, youve got the biggest throw by far.

From Melbourne

Thinking of you and noting the progress. Keep it up.

Our best wishes to you Hugh and all the family

heeeyyy hugh!!

oh my goodness I am absoloutely GUTTED to hear about you accident! you dont know me but i swim for Kiwi West Aquatics in Palmerston North. You have amazing talent and i so hope you recover to the full so that you can make use of it.

Thinking of you!

Pippa xx

Awesome to hear of your improvements, keep up the great work. You have an amazing support crew and with your determination and courage, we will hear a lot more about your progress.
Andy sends his regards and is interested in your improvements as he is studying spinal injuries at present as part of his physiotherapy course at Otago Uni.

Sounds like your doing great Hugh! Keep it up dude xoxoxoxox

“Tough times never last - tough people do !”
Hugh stay positive and strong - you can do this !

Thinking of you and your family.

Lynn Coetzee and family

humungus’s up d8
k. well…. hughy is duin gr8!
BREAKING NEWS! HUGH DOES NOT NEED AN OPERATION! THE DOCTA SED HIS SPINAL COLUMN IS IN A GR8 POSTION NOW BECOZ OF TONGS. UM AHH…HE HAS BEEN MOVED FROM INTENSIVE CARE TO THE ORTHAPEDIC TRAUMA UNIT BECOZ HE DOESNT NEED ASSISTANC WIT HIS BREATHIN NEMORE AND THEY NEEDED THE BED LOL… the surgeon sez hughs spine will mend very well without surgery just like a normal bone healing.
surgery is alwaes risky nd may cause complications and more swelling of the spinal cord so they wld rather leave it to nature to do its thing. they sed its gr8 that hu is young and has feelin through ot the body this means he has pathways. he cld walk agen but no 1 nos 4 sure yet.
THE DOWN SIDE IS THAT HUGHS SPINAL COED IS VERY SWOLLEN AND HAS HEMERAGEIN IN QUITE A LARGE AREA THE SWELLIN WILL GO DOWN BUT NOT SURE OF THE OUTCOME (PERMANENT/TEMPORARYY) 4 A LONG TYM YET.
Hugh has been overwhelmed with ur support it relly encourages him to keep going, BUT ur support is really going to be needed 4 the nxt 6 weeks as he wll have to lie as he is now with the tongs 4 6 weeks! and will get very bored nd depressed! so keep ur encouraging comments and jokes cumin. Jst 2 let u no as sum of u have sed that u wanna cum down if u search on google under ‘grabaseat’ and there will be cheap as flights around nz goin on sale each day. (but u dnt get much notice this is y it is sooo cheap!) but the flights change daily so there may nt be a flight from wellington to xchurch but keep lookin each day and there sure will b one poppin up sumtym! NB: sum flights r as cheap as 39 dollars!
thanks agen 4 all the support! as u cn imagine he is abit gutted about havin to lie dwn but he doesnt actuly sae ne thing we cn just feel it.
cya!

Have just texted the latest reports on Hugh to the students at North Islands Secondary School sports. They are really chuffed with the news - bet the cell phones are working overtime up there. No doubt they will add their comments to the site over the next couple of days. Thinking of you all in Christchurch with prayer and love. Sally Kean

ahh hi hugh.
My names holly haha swim for mana not to sure if you know me but id just like to say how much EVERYONE admires you. Im not sure if you realise it but so many people that you dont even know are rooting for you! so keep strong, keep youre eye on the goal and you’ll get through this easy! I wish you the best of luck!

Hope to see you round!

Holly

Hi Hugh and Family,

We really wish you all the best and have been thinking of you almost constantly (like everyone else), sounds like you are making fantastic progress.

Thanks to Raumati for setting this page up, it’s great to be able to log on and get the updates, without bugging people closely involved as to what is happening.

Jason and Rory are looking forward to seeing you back in the pool (even if it means Rory coming in 2nd to you).

All our best thoughts and prayers go your way.

just foun d owt that hugh has a temperature it was enough ta get tha docs tya luk at him quite tyred not too well. has bladder infection too. gutterin no more improvment in movemnt since yesterdae

Boy you guys must feel like you’re on a see-saw.

Great news Hugh doesn’t need an op but a temp, bladder infection and no more improvement in movement isn’t on.

Just got back from NI Sec School swimming Champs. The team missed you Hugh. 3 swimmers in a 4 swimmer relay doesn’t go. Was great to see Vinny back in action and Chris and Nick (just back from OTC week last night) did you proud. The 3 of them got into 2 finals each. No medals but some 4th and 5th placings.

We are looking forward to the 1st place results we know you will get for us next year.

It was quite emotional to see the response to the announcement about your accident. You certainly know how to make a swim meet go quiet. There were so many people coming up to Raumati swimmers it was amazing.

Did you know you were such a great guy, respected by so many. I wonder.

Nearly forgot:

What is the difference between baseball and law?

In baseball, if you’re caught stealing, you’re out.

It’s either old age or it’s been a long day!
I forgot to mention the girls in our college team.
- Amelia swam not having trained for I don’t know how long.
- Kelly had 3 teeth taken out yesterday so must have been hell swimming but she never said a word (probably couldn’t coz of the pain ha ha).
- Kelsey Lyall swam with a cast on her broken arm (even managed 100 fly without stopping!!!) I reckon she’s gonna swim in circles when the cast comes off.
- Samantha did us proud (from Kapiti Swim club)

Hi Hugh,

I’m really stoked for you that you don’t need that operation. Healing naturally may test your patience but is better for you in the end. Now you can put all your energy into fitting that damn infection instead of a general anaesthetic (hope thats spelt right).
Henrietta is leading the charge to organise a swim meet to raise some funds, to make sure that you guys can spend as much time together as possible. I have just finished the flyer and have sent it to H to be proofed before it goes out to all the clubs. You must be special Hugh, ’cause we have dispensation from SNZ to hold it in the official ‘blackout’ period when everyone is supposed to be resting. (As if swimmers ever rest).
It is really great that we can keep up with what is happening with you. Sorry if we don’t spare your blushes, but we do care about you and we need to know how you’re doing.
Hope that Mum is OK. We miss her at College - its far too quiet. Not sure if Ronald McDonald house is a ‘dry’ area though. Perhaps she can let us know if she is allowed the odd glass of wine - therapeutic of course.
Michelle and Bevan - keep those updates coming.

love Heather

Hi Hugh, Michelle, Adele and Bevan - we were very sorry to hear of your accident Hugh from my sister Penny. She told me there was a website which had updates of how you were doing. I tried to find the website and I found out that there was a Doctor Hugh Campbell in ICU at Christcurch Hospital but no Hugh Campbell of great swimming fame. I found a story in a Gisborne paper about you that said the communities that you used to live in round Gisborne and Wairoa had set up a trust for you which I thought was fantastic. Then this morning I found out from Penny that there was this site with so many amazing tributes to you all and especially to Hugh. I thought I’d just like to add that our thoughts and prayers have been with you since hearing about the accident and we wish you all the best for your recovery. Kay & John Crump

Really happy to hear the progress being made. My son Andrew had a double break in his vertebra 3 years ago - not as bad a place as you though. It took him 2 years (of doing everything the medics told him and a lot of titanium wires and screws) to get playing soccer again. This weekend he is in a tournament in Palmerston North playing in the Kapiti first team. It really does happen! The orthopaedic specialists in NZ are right up-to-date (I researched!) and they do get people up and running again. Our family is sending loads of positive thoughts to you and your family.

hae hugh seems like ages that ive seen u.
i really miss u at training, as i dont have u to draft off anymore:) but iv been doing ok, me, dale, chris and adam been keepin each other company.
havent used this message system yet so thort id try it out. oh yeah yesterday at NISS swiming i did the majorest slip off the blok u ever saw. im tellin ya my foot nearly took out the timekeepers. it was gr8. but dales was even better… ill have to demo it wen i c u at y&o. oh member chch nags hugh… with jp and th feet first entry jump/dive/fall? you sure get into strife with ya dives ae:) but ull pull thru this one hugh i can feel it. a few xtra pills to ur daily 12 and ull be away:) so keep fighting we all thinking of u.
cant wait to ur back wif us-its not the same wifout u. c u soon, luv from varnz

Hello Bevan & Adele
I have heard the news about Hugh and send my best wishes to you all. I had been thinking about you lately and was going to get in touch anyway but this has hurried me up! It is good to read that Hugh doesn’t need an operation, I hope the inprovements keep coming steadily.
All the best…thinking of you
Love Adrienne

Hello Bevan and family,
Just wanted to say how sorry to hear about Hugh.
but how wonderful to hear he doesn’t need the operation.
You are obviously such a strong family ,if anyone can come through this you can. Hugh, you have so much support out there, the whole community is thinking about you and keeping our fingers crossed for a speedy recovery. We send you all hope, determination and strength.
Love and best wishes
The Raley family

hey hugh

not such good luck aye but if you stay positive you know youll get there. im thinking of you and your family.

Hey Hugh!

I was guttered to hear about what happened. Hope to see you back in the water as soon as possible, me and the tsw boys miss your sense of humour!

Keep in there mate,

Félix

Hi guys
Pleased to know you won’t need an op Hugh - nature has a great way of healing - especially when you have such a strong drive as we know you have. This site is great - a real tributte to the whole campbell clan! Thanks for the awesome updates michelle - an easy way to keep up with your progress - our thoughts are constantly with you (even when they should be elsewhere!) Hope the infection’s clearing.
Was doing the normal houseworky things and thinkin of what you would all give to have the normality of everyday back in your lives! Certainly makes us all appreciate our lot that’s for sure - there must be an easier way to show us though!
Love and hugs to you all - keep that Campbell strength going!
xoxox
ps - Like Kay and John Crump I too searched for “Hugh Campbell” - man there’s some fame with that name! Keep it going…

You are verry brave considering what you are going through right now. You have a strong heart and a strong mind and we know that is what is going to get you back with us again. keep it up
From dayna xox

Hey Hugh
I was having a read and most people seem to have covered all the main phrases like keep strong and all so i want to add my name to the list but also i just wanted to say that the body recovers physicaly its ur mind you have to play the game against. So in short beat that question of weather and if with a smile of strength and a knowledge in ur goal. You always strived for the best so heres ur big chance - Go HARD we know u can make it!
If i and the swimmers planted a flower for every time we though of u we could walk in our garden forever.
So chin up shoulders back keep up that awsome movement of urs im praying loud for u.

Luv Jenny

Hi again as in ten seconds later we are coming to see you over Youth and Open dates from monday to thursday mum just got the flights even though i didn’t qualify!!

Keep smiling…Jenny

Hi to all

We are all thinking of you during this challenging time and want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.

This website is absolulety amazing and it brings a tear to my eye to read about you and how talented you are at swimming -best you get well soon !!!

Love to all

Helen Osborne on behalf of Aunty Joy (Feasey)

Hi Hugh from Wellington Waterpolo you have a huge amount of support and reading through your mail lots of friends too. We wish for you a strong and quick recovery so you can get back and do what you do best.

Gerard Wilkinson
Chairman
Wellington Waterpolo

HUGH
Constantly in our thoughts…..

DITTO to all the above comments, so thought I’d send you a joke Keep up the good work, love to all
* * * *

Five New Zealanders, travelling across Europe in an Audi Quattro, arrive at a border crossing. The Customs Officer stops them and says, “It is illegal to put 5 people into a Quattro.”

“Why,” they asked, more than a little bemused at this European logic.

“Quattro means 4,” the customs official replied.

“But Quattro is just the name of the car,” they protested. “See these papers. The car is registered to carry 5 people.”

“You can’t fool me. Quattro means 4. You have 5 people in the car, therefore you’re breaking the law.”

The New Zealanders replied, “Come on! Really! Please call over your supervisor.”

“Sorry,” responds the official, “He can’t come. He’s too busy right now with 2 guys in a Fiat Uno.”

WOW, what an amaizing support base you have, it makes me feel good to know you have so many people thinking of you and your fam, so it must certainly make you feel good too, i hope all the messages do keep your spirits up so you can focus on the raod ahead.
The reports of your progress are great and i hope they keep coming.
All the best Hugh and to all your family for a sucsesful recovery,
Sonya.

An English guy was very ill and his son went to visit him in the hospital. Suddenly, the father began to breathe heavily and grabbed the pen and pad by the bed. With his last ounce of strength he wrote a note, dropped it, and died. The son was so overcome with grief that he didn’t remember slipping the note into his pocket. At the funeral, he reached into the pocket of his coat and immediately felt the note. He excitedly read it thinking it might be something he could recite during the service. It said:

YOU IDIOT — GET OFF MY OXYGEN PIPE!!!

joke just 4 u keep up ur strength hugh we will c u back here very soon
Sam

wesssssssssssssssssssssssst

siddddddddddddddde

hav fun off school
luv u dats all of the campbell family

ps: east side

Hugh your such a huge cumball haha.

were really excited that youv got alot of movement back and keep the progress coming k buddy. im routing for ya and will be thinking of you. hope your feeling more at home at the new hospital you got moved to. and dont be sad…your missing sooooo much school!! keep the spirit up hugh.

rory and jas.

hughs on the move
huGH HAs been trasferred ta burwood now. he likes it alot better there. i put all the pics on tha ceiling 4 him to look at wch is gud. tha trip took 1 hour! so that he wldnt get hurt wit the bumps, it shld only take 20min but ya no thats gud they went slow they dnt wanna damag him. umm hes alot happier but ya no still bordish i guess. um thanks 4 all the cards we recived tadae and the cd of fotos thats gr8 also the 9sg.. i thnk that card thats real kool we r gonna put them up in his ward. i hope they will let me decorate his room becoz it luks a bit boring atm. newhu im off cya
cheers thanks 4 all the support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.
oh and u can stil send stuff to ronald mcdonald coz mum stayn here 4 now but myt move out in a few months

oh and he can now twis his wrist like ur turning a key but cnt move figers yet!

Hello Hugh

Delighted to hear you donot require surgery and you have been shifted to a ward. It is rarely an experience you wish to repeat joining a ward with many other patients. You hear every belch, every f…, snoring that could send you to the moon, and just when you get to sleep round the corner “they” come , torch in your face and thermometer hopefully in the mouth! But remember it’s all for a good cause.

Those “Good-Bye Pork Pie” antics on the golf carts are only on hold!

Keep your spirits up.

Kerry

Hi Hugh, so glad to hear you are safe and well at Burwood. Now you can really get stuck into getting well again.

Because of you I have signed up to race in 3 swimming races on the 12th May. I decided not to do butterfly as I didn’t want to embarras Dayna tooooo much, and I’m not going to tumble turn cos I would probably throw up at the end. I’m even gonna go buy a new pair of togs.

We all thinking of you everyday and hope the next few weeks are filled with lots of AMAZING progress. None of us can imagine what you are going through but hope these constant messages helps with lifting your spirits when they are low.

Donna

Doctor put me into a fighting mood

Patient: Doctor, what I need is something to stir me up; something to put me in a fighting mood. Did you put something like that in this prescription?

Doctor: No need for that. You will find that in your bill.

Fantastic to hear your news. Burwood will get you sorted big time they have a great reputation. I feel for you though, I know what ChCh roads are like, I’m surprised it only took an hour to get there.

Took Michael to Mana Div III yesterday. He got into 5 finals out of 5 races and won 3 silvers, 4th and 5th. Thinks he’s pretty cool.

Heaps of people asked after you and sent you
their best wishes.

Keep up the good progress.

Hey Hugh

I remember watching you coughing your guts out on the soccer field, coming off for a blast on the inhaler, and going back out there.

Keep up the fighting spirit.

Best wishes

Hugh

Just been speaking to the people from Canterbury of New Zealand re some new uniform items…

They asked if I could send their best wishes to you and hope you make a full recovery.

Glad to hear you got transferred across to Burwood, Mum let us all know you were safe.

You’ve got the right approach and determination to keep on fighting…

We are still sending those positive vibes across the water and now you’ll be getting them from down south too, Paul and Chirstopher have gone down to Invecargill to DivII (With Joseph and Richard)
Keep us updated with any news….

Thinking of you always

Norris’s

Hey,
Let me know if you’ve seen Casino Royale, I’ve got the DVD here in CA and will bring that back…any other ‘requests’ for films? We’ll get a projector for the ceiling or, maybe just a laptop suspended over you or something?

See you very soon. The toughest time is always just after you’ve made progress…it is plateaus, you’ll hold steady and make no ‘move’ and then, it will suddenly make an improvement…but, the key thing is to maintain your positive outlook, and focus on the prize.

Glad you’ve made the move to the Spinal Unit, they’re the pros.

Keep the faith, we’ve all got faith in you, but, your faith in you will be the most crucial…however, when that flags (and it will) know that there are thousands of people who are pulling for you and are behind you 100%

SEE YOU SOON,
Jim

Hi Hugh,
(and hi to Adele, Bevan and Michelle too)

I can’t begin to express what I felt when I heard the news… Especially can’t imagine what you must all be feeling…

You have always been such a positive person Hugh, and the amount of support expressed on both this website and bebo, just reinforces what a neat guy you are and emphasises the strength of character both you and your family posess (must be the good genes Bevan and Adele).

Our thoughts go out to you guys, stay strong and focus on each day…

You are a winner Hugh, you always have been, so don’t stop now….

“Winners”
Winners take chances like everyone else,
They fear failing, but they refuse to let fear control them.
Winners don’t give up,
When life gets tough, they hang in until the going gets better
Winners are flexible.
They realise there is more than one way to reach their goal and they are willing to try others.
Winners know they are not perfect.
They respect their weaknesses while making the most of their strengths.
Winners fall, but they don’t stay down.
They stubbornly refuse to let a fall keep them from climbing.
Winners don’t blame fate for their failures or adversity,
Nor luck for their successes.
Winners accept responsibility for their lives.
Winners are positive thinkers who see good in all things.
From the ordinary, they make the extraordinary.
Winners believe in the path they have chosen, or has been chosen for them, even when it’s hard,
Even when others can’t see where they are going.
Winners are patient.
They know a goal is only as worthy as the effort that’s required to achieve it.
Winners are people like you.
They make this world a better place to be.

Keep on winning Hugh… keep on striving…

Hi Hugh and your amazing family.
Our thoughts are with you all and it is very exciting to hear your encouraging news. Keep strong and positive and keep believing. On behalf of the Tawa Swimming Club keep up the wonderful progress. All the best for a fantastic recovery.

Hey Hugh
Good to hear you made the move successfully.

As Fiona said above

Winners find a way, Your a winner

Stay strong, positive and above all else keep smiling.

Henrietta

Hae Hugh

I hope you get better soon.
Keep positive and i hope you have a speedy recovery!

From Nicole (if you are wondaring who i am, i went to Greeton with you last year)

Hi Hughsive
We think you r so amazzzzzzzzzzzzzzing. You r one tough little###############.
Inspirational!!! Far better than the Black caps!
Hi to mum, dad and Michelle.

Thinking of u daily

Room 14

Hi Hugh
Although I have never met you, I am sad to hear of your accident. I understand that you have been a great help to my nephew Chris Roberts, offering him encouragement and support with his swimming, and I thank you for that. There is nothing like the support of your peers, and I see you are getting plenty of that yourself at the monent. Stay strong and all the best.

Keith

hughyyyyyy 0 minutes ago

hughs pretty gud, eatin solids now like jelly, pineapple, lollies haha i sneakily gve him gummy bears wivowt dad seein… hes alowd them but dad sed dnt he cn just have healthy stuff and a few lollies but ya no… hes happy laughn and stuff… well.. 4 now! hes gotta lil buzza on his chin and he just does some movment thng wit his chin and it beeps 4 the nurses! lol neways thats bout it.. o and slept frm 10pm til 7.30am (not includn the turns) wch is gud he needs it. nd hes got pretty skinny so we needa feed him up but otha than that hes sweet! well…kinda neways cya

A DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED!!!
A man was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way.

The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, “Kathy, we are
in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your >legs?”

The blind lady replied, “No thanks, but maybe
my dog would like to stretch his legs.”

Picture this:

All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog!

The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

True story…. Have a great day and remember…

THINGS AREN’T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR

It’s true isn’t it you’ve come a long way in a short time. The amount of progress you have made Hugh, makes us all proud of you.

The Kapiti News rang Michael’s school and asked if they could photograph him with his medals. We said of course and he’s gone off to school today wearing his Raumati Club Shirt with his bag of medals and ribbons.

He said, “If the man asks me who I want to be like, I’m gonna say Hugh Campbell!”

That’s something coming from an 11 year old.

Bevan, Adele and Michelle, how are you guys holding up. Time seems to stand still when you spend so much time in hospital and you’re not the one who’s sick doesn’t it. It often seems like another world.

You guys must be doing a great job supporting Hugh for him to continue to make so much progress. Keep strong.

What an awesome young man. Just read about you in the Kapiti News and wanted to wish you Good Luck……I am sure such a positive determined spirit will help you all the way. Sending you love and light Julie

Hi Hugh

I’m Kelly Davidsons Aunty and live in Sydney. Kelly told me about your accident and I wanted to wish you all the best. You certainly have a lot of people supporting your recovery which is fantastic. Keep your spirit up.

Kind Wishes
Tracey Kelleher

Hi Hugh

It has been a long time, I was shocked to read about your accident in the paper last night.
Trying times bring strength of character, I remember you as a very determined young boy & keen to work hard at a challenge.
Keep upbeat we look forward to hearing about your future successes.

Kind wishes & thinking of you in your recovery

Judy, Rewa and Kara Tomlinson

Hi there

I know how sometimes message traffic can drop off so you start to think people have forgotten. Well dont worry they havent! Even my parents have read about you and wish you and your family all the best. With the flier up for your swim meet my mother is even thinking of swimming in it. I think I am going to have to pull out a big one - I am a distance freestyler, and I dont do anything less than 200m and as there is nothing over 100m (save for the 200m Breakstroke) looks like I will have to do some races that are Sprints in Other Strokes! (Those are all dirty words to me, just ask anyone at Capital).
BTW if you are losing weight, smoothies are a really good way of getting calories in - add in all sorts of things, protein powder, honey, and dont forget icecream - hidden calories that dont fill you up too much!

I was at oriental bay and saw the whole incident;a friend of mine had exactly the same sort of accident and sustained signifigant injuries which he fortunatley,over time,recovered from. I have been on to judith atkins of the city council and i have written a letter to the editor of the dompost in order to initiate the putting up of a sign warning of the obvious dangers of sandbars in the area,i believer hugh hit one of these. people should be alerted to the danger of sandbars,and shallow diving. I urge any memberts of the swimming association to somehow agitate the council or somesuch other body to make sure the dangers of shallow diving,especially at the smaller part of oriental bay are widely known.as a suggestion,perhaps an item on Close Up,talkback radio,or somesuch educational publis awareness raising forum,at the very least the area should be signposted.My heart goes out to Hugh and his family,and the news that he is regaining some feeling is wonderful to hear. Norman levido flat one 30 quebec st Kingston Wellingtom ph 021 0677980.

I have just read through all the messages Hugh. We can tell by the huge number that you are a very special person and have won the respect of so many people. We share all the txts from Bevan and Adele at Matawai School, so even people who don’t know you are thinking and asking. You and your family have a special place in the hearts of many here.
Love Rob and Dunc Shaw

hae hugh!

uprobli dnt kno me well bt im doms sista nd i swim to! it was soo sad to hear of ur news but i kno bein th orsum strong kewl dude that u are ul pull thru! i knt sae i kno wat ur goin thru bkos ive neva broken a bon but dom mite! he jt broke his thumb playin hokey preti gutaring! haha u missed out on northislands in the wekend! its a shame u wuda gotten lotsa towels!(theyr the lik medals lol) well u kno evri one all ova nzs behnd you! so like that avril lavigne song says: KEEP HOLDIN ON! best wishes …. beth

Hi there Hugh, Bevan, Adele and Michelle
We are all thinking of you. What an incredible and brave family you are. All the love and support out there is awesome! We are havi ng a coin trail tomorrow to spell out “4 HUGH”. We’re all wishing each day gets better for you. Don’t let Michelle feed you too many lollies.
All our love and best wishes
Rach and Room 16

PS Caleb just sai d “wow he must be a really famous man to be in the paper!”

Hi Hugh and family
We were sitting in the sun for 2 hours at Oriental Bay the day of your accident. It was a near perfect afternoon with the powerboats, the ferries coming and going, the helicopters hovering and lots of swimmers and walkers. It was a magic place to be. We left at about 4.00 and when we heard about your accident the next morning we felt sad that we hadn’t seen you, even from a distance to wave or say to each other, “Look there’s Hugh Campbell.I wonder how he ’s doing these days?”
You are a strong motivated young man and we have every faith in your ability to come through this. Our thoughts are with you too Bevan, Adele and Michelle.
Our very best wishes to you all, Ange, Steve, Harriet and Georgie Lowe

Hi Hugh,
Every night I log on to this site and get excited when I read that you have moved your wrist. This is such a gr8 way to keep updated on your progress!.
Have laughed while Iv’e been on here and have shed a few tears and have been inspired by the poem “Winners” that was neat. Had to copy that one. Everyone on the K coast is behind you keep, up the good progress. Angela & Paige Enoka

Hey Huge

Fanastic to hear all about your progress, adding more and more movement and now eating solids….my god the body and mind are resilient. You keep thinking nothing but positive thoughts big guy. Won’t be long and you’ll see familiar faces at your bedside around Y & O time. We’ll go and pick out sum great DVDs’ on the weekend and get them down to you. I hear you like action movies…….well just leave that to me.

Bevan, Delbabe and Michelle - hope you guys are holding up well and taking good care of yourselves. Keep strong and give that lad all our love. Lots of luv Greg, Leigh, Kimbles and Shane

Hi Bevan,Adele,Michelle,

Hi guys i was saddened to hear of your news regarding hugh. I had not meet him but have thought i would send a little message to say wishing you the very best and and it’s obvious that you have a whole lot of love and support from some wonderful freinds and relatives. Great to hear he’s got movement. Kia Kaha always

From Monika.

Hey hughbic
good luck with not moving for 6weeks i hope it has a positive outcome.n i really hope they have u on some good drugs so u dont go insane!
keep it up

Vinny

Hi Hugh and all. Am running late for work but a quick message to you is more important. We admire your courage and determination. Every day in traction is one day less. Hope today is a good one for you. If its an easier one for you its good for all of your family and us, All your supporters!! Bet you never realised how many people love and care for you! Got to go. Michelle, you would make a great secretary. Hugh could start paying you.Keep feeding him those gummy bears, I love lollies too. Lots of love to you all. Marie

Just for fun:
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they laid down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend.
“Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.” Watson replied, “I see millions and millions of stars.” Holmes said, “What does that tell you?” Watson pondered for a minute. “Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?” Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. “It tells me that someone has stolen our tent!”

Hi Hugh - thinking of you in your recovery, and sending all our best wishes and support to Bevan, Adele & Michelle - kind regards, the Palmer family

Hi Hugh, Bevan, Adele and Michelle.

Great to hear that progress is being made. We are all thinking of you soooo much here at Paraparaumu College. I’ll tell you what though Hugh, bit of a drastic effort to get out of Workday!!

And Bevan, I think you had better start practising your swimming!

Keep smiling and keep positive.

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke xxxx

To Hugh, Michelle Bevan and Adele

Gutted to hear of Hugh’s accident. Thnking of you all and offering a few prayers. With the positive attitude you all have I am sure there’ll be a good outcome.

Maureen

Hi Hugh. We’ve been reading about your progress daily and are sending huge positive thoughts to help you make a speedy and full recovery.
We intend to be at your benefit meet in force and will persuade a few old members and parents to get wet too. Here’s hoping the cameras will be there and you have a good laugh watching the meet.
From us all at TSW Dolphins.

To the dear Campbell family.
We have all been feeling so much for you over the last couple of weeks. Kellee and Bruce have prayed for all of you often in our evening prayers.
Kellee somehow scored an extra $23 of donations from her first box of chocolate bar sales! At school today they have been asked to bring a coin for a coin trail for Hugh. Kellee is delighted to be taking the whole $23 of coins to put on the trail! Great to hear feeling is coming to your arms and thigh Hugh. We are praying that you’ll get all movement back.
Please let me know if there’s any little thing I can do around school or your home. All the best Bruce

Hey Hugh

Its okay don’t panic as to who I am as you and your family don’t know me!

– I’m one of the mum’s of the younger swimmers at Raumati … my children see all you senior swimmers getting ready and doing your thing and are always watching the power you swim with and the way you are all good mates and soo supportive of each other.

We were gutted to hear of your accident! The kids come home from school with daily reports from Dayna Lawton as to how you are doing.

Never forget what a difference kids like you make to the younger ones around you - you are a great role model with huge determination, drive and optimism! These qualities will take you a long way in your recovery.

We have just returned from the surf nationals in Gisborne where my husband rows for Titahi Bay and there were people up there beside us talking about how positive you were being in hospital - they were strangers to me - but I thought you’d like to know that there are positive vibes coming for you from all over the country.

From me and my family to you and yours - may the sun shine on you and may the wind always be beneath your wings helping you to fly.

Love Claire, Greg, Fletcher and Jade

To the Campbell family
Today Kapiti college is having a mufti day, half of the donated money is going towards the benefit.
I am writing on behalf of Kapiti College to express the sorrow we all felt after hearing the news, Kapiti college will always be here for Hugh and his family in anyway we can.

the teachers and students of Kapiti College

Hi there Hugh

Have been reading all these amazing messages to you and your family - you seem to have half of NZ thinking about you, praying for you and hoping every day is a day on the road to recovery. There will always be the odd setback but you, with the love and support of family, will face each with grit and determination and be back swimming in no time.

Haven’t seen you guys in ages but we are all thinking of you and have our fingers, toes and everything else crossed hoping for the best possible outcome.

Love & hugs
Dan Susie Henry Sam & Rebecca xoxoxoxoxoxo

hey ummm we got this computer set up 4 him now. he still lies down and theres a screen above his head. the mouse he uses to ya kno wateva ya du wit a mouse, is a ball so he moves it with his right hand, wrist/arm. but he cant use his fingers to clik so then he cliks with his left wrist/arm on a circle thing that cliks it for him insted of clikin with his fingers he uses his wrist/arm hand bit lol (its like a small verision of those circular touch lamps, when u push the top it comes on. except insted of turning a light on, it cliks whatever hes scrolled to on the screen. if that makes any scence). he loves it! he has his own laptop. he is allowed to boro which he can watch dvds, cds and all that stuff. he starts school 2moro and it luks like he has a gud teacha from the health school. oh my gosh LOOK AT HIS SERIOUSLY KEWL PICTURE ON HIS WHITEBOARD THAT HE DREW ALL BY HIM SELF! mad ae! ne ways he lufs tha computer and hes seems ta be able to control his arms a bit beter… he does have a web cam but we wont run that 4 a while. he also has his own direct phone to his bed which is kool dad and i r cumin home on saturdae but mums satyin here with hugh and will b based at ronald macdonld still. thanks 4 all the support and cards(they r all hnging up on hughs room! and also the pics r on his ceiling too so he cn c his m8s!) cheers michelle and campbells
hugh can view his own bebo now but he still cant type so im typin.. but it doesnt men that hes wit me all the time but sometimes he will be and i will let ya no if im typin on behalf of hugh.. well i am now but not really…if ya get me

Our sympathies go out to the Campbell family at this difficult time. Our son had a similar accident at Paraparaumu beach 22 years ago and, as in Hugh’s case, his friends saved his life. As with Hugh he was a keen sportsman and was a talented athlete and soccer player. he still continues his interest in sport—-plays wheelchair rugby and has a track-racing chair.
It’s wonderful to see so many messages of support and we hope and pray that Hugh makes a complete recovery from his injury.

hey hugh its kendal frm waterpolo u probaly dont know me but all the best you’ll pull through cant wait to see u back in that pool.c ya

Wow Hugh lucky about getting your own laptop thats a bit flash ay!! It’s mint as to hear about all your progress and you can be sure you will be flooded with visits at Y & O time!!! You are going to be the biggest movie buff ever, you’ll be quoting things left right and centre haha. Can’t wait to see your Dad and the others getting their swim on for the meet haha should be a laugh!! Ahh and back to school that’s good to hear can’t have you slacking off while the rest of us are stuck with this whole learning business haha.

Hope you’re all smiles and going to keep drawing us sum pics ay!!

Catch you later
Joanna

Great news you got school tomorrow
That’ll please Chritopher, he’ll still off College in Invercargill at DivII, doing great.
Just a message from us Norris’s to say stay strong, enjoy your new laptop and don’t go eatin’ too many sweets, best save some for all your visitors come April……
Thinking of you constantly

Hi Hugh, Michelle, Bevan, Adele

It is your friend Jason Donovan from college sorry to hear about what happened to you I hope you get better really soon

From your friend Jason

Hi Hugh, Adele, Mitchelle, Bevan

We are all here for you all. You are all in our thoughts. Anything we can do for any of you just let us know.

Jo & Wayne Donovan

Hi Guys

Still thinking of you all - pleased to hear about the laptop - technology is a great thing huh!
Keep smiling - travel safely on your way home Michelle and Bevan

Love and hugs to you all xoxox

Hi Hugh,

Although you probably don’t know us….we’ve been thinking about you and your family and praying for a good outcome since we first heard about your accident. It’s just so encouraging to read about your progress so far. We have also read about your strength, determination and optimism, which will all help to get you through this…..together with the love and support of your wonderful family and friends.

Kind regards,
Leah, Steve, Nick and Sam Botica
(Waikanae)

Hi Hugh and Family

Absolutely stunned to hear of your accident Hugh. What a fantastic support network you and your family have. Amazing messages from all round the world - international stardom! We’re checking on daily progress and sending our love and strength to you all.
Matt (Michelle’s yr 9 facilitator) is at Otago Uni with Seb and sends best wishes. Hayley and I are getting daily updates and you are constantly in our thoughts.
Your progress is awesome! Keep up the hard work and REMEMBER:-
“If you can imagine it
You can achieve it
If you can dream it
You can become it”
The mind is a powerful instrument, Hugh, keep using it, as you are, and anything is possible!

All our love and thoughts

Debbie, Matt and Hayley

yo bay just in maths chilling, doing time something graphs but yer. how are you g? hope you are liking my jokes haha chat soon im getting the hairy eyeball from the teacher xx keep going

I’m sure you can find someone to tell this one to!

Biker Doctor
This retired O.B.G.Y.N doctor decides he is bored and wants to find something to do with his spare time. He always had a motorcycle and loves riding them, but never could work on them. He decided to go to school to learn to be a master motorcycle mechanic.

After a couple of years of hard studying and learning about bikes, the last day of school was a final exam. The final exam was a 2 part test. Part 1 was diagnostics of a badly running motorcycle engine. Part 2 everyone in the class had to compleatly tear down the bikes engine, repair it and put it back together running perfect.

After several hours of working, the teacher tells everyone to stop what they are doing. He then judges everyone’s work.

He grades everyone. He tells everyone their scores. The grades are 2 part. 50 points for diagnosis. 50 points for installation. He gives 1 person an 80, another person a 75, another a 68. Finally he gets to the doc’s bike, cranks it up, it runs perfect. He gives the doc a 150.

Confused, he asked the teacher why he gave him a 150. The teacher explains to him, 50 points for proper diagnosis, 50 points for repairing it properly. The doc asks what about the other 50 points. The teacher then replies, “In all my life, I’ve never, ever, ever seen anyone completely tear down, repair and rebuild a motorcycle enging going through the exhaust pipes!”.

Chris spent college workday at Hire equip and was literally had a blast. He spent most ofo his time waterblasting dirty equipment. Was genuinely amazed that people didn’t notice the condition they returned the hire equipment.

Suggested he look in his room and he’d understand!

Good to see you’re up and running on your laptop. Those teachers are certainly persistant eh even get you working when you’re flat out on your back!

To Hugh ,
Thinking of you and wishing you the best in healing .

Grant (Louise’s brother)

Hey Guys, I am here lying in bed looking at a screen, telling dad what to write. It is amazing to see the support that people have been giving me. It is good down here in Burwood.
A lot better than Ward 19!!!!!
Feeling good.
Thanks for all of the support

Hugh

Hi Again Hugh and Family

Absolutely wonderful news regarding your fantastic recovery… just keep blowing the medics away with your amazing strength and commitment to regain all that was taken from you.

It is so amazing to see first hand just how supportive people can be in times like this and humbling of course.

Hugh we think of you often and we all know the inner strength you have already shown,…keep it up buddy. Hope the family are all well and so pleased you are back into the ol’ schoolwork again. We’d hate to see you miss that (ha ha).

Take great care and god bless.

Hi Hugh
It is so exciting to hear about your rapid progress in just 2 weeks! I have no doubt you will make a full recovery. Have been thinking about you everyday since the accident but have only just got brave enough to leave a message! (I’m a bit slow with technology!) Everyone at school sends their love and best wishes.
Thinking of you and your family as always, Regina

Hi Hugh
Pleased someone gets to tell your Dad what to do - haven’t been able to do that since we were all at Whatatutu together and “us women” bossed him around!! Mind you all your Ma and Pa had to play with at that time was their new freezer - I’m sure a laptop is a lot more exciting!
Keep up the great work!
Cheers Linda

Hi everyone

Just wanted to check in with you guys. I need you to know that even though we aren’t there with you, that you are constantly in our thoughts. You are challenging our brain cells Hugh, trying to think of ways to help keep you from fading away in boredom while the weights are stretching you back to having a healthier spine.
Hope that the chefs at Burwood are concocting appetising smoothies to help keep your appetite stimulated. Brett can probably suggest some mixtures that they found at the Aussie Malls last year. Tap him for them when he sees you in a few weeks.
That Y & Opens time will come around pretty quickly and with so many young people wanting to come and see you Hugh, I think I’ll leave the visits to them and take Mum out for a coffee and a bit of R & R. Wouldn’t want to think you had to behave just ‘coz a parent was hanging around.
Glad that the school has got you working. Will be interesting to hea your comments on teachers other than Paraparaumu style.
Mum will have to take your dictation once Dad & Michelle are home. She will get to be such a wizz, she wont know herself. Will catch up with you soon.
Luv to all
Heather

Hi hugh, its great that you are back at school!!( or not!), i broke my hand at hockey the other day so im out of swimming for a couple of weeks. Hang in there!!!

wat up kid

if i cum down south to see u i get a mean tan for u and see if theres any telent in christchurch

later hughbichair

Bevan and Michelle have a safe trip back home…

Adele and Hugh, seems that you’ll need to prepare yourself for an onslaught of well wishers over the next few weeks…

Great to hear you’re feeling OK Hugh

Thinking of you constantly
Take care

Remember positive thoughts attract positive results

Hi Hugh just a quick note to say hi thinking of you daily.

Positive thoughts going your way.

Hughey mate,

Does this mean you wont be at Ozzie Age groups next month ?

Bugger, I think I’ll enter breast stroke now, lol.

Seriously get better quick we all thinking of you here in Brisbane. Miss your jokes and sense of humor. Stay tough and see you in London 2012!!

Josh, Kimi, Tim, Jill & Rua Baker

Wow Hugh it blows me away to read what great progress you are making.
Roll on public nose picking!!!

My mum was a great one for sayings and she always used to say ‘when the going gets tough the tough get going’ - that is soooo YOU

hey um just to let ya no that hugh still has his cellfone but he cnt us it in the burwood hospital so….howeva we have this thingy majig that lets hugh see his txts on a computer that he IS allowed in burwood . the number 4 that cellphone is… 0273950562 and the message will come up on his screen and mum can reply by typin it on the comp. pretty mad ae! neways tahts all weve gotta sae so chow brovas!

Hi HuGh

HoW YoU GoIn I HaVe JuSt PlAyEd TeNnIs AnD I WaS FaCiNg A 14 YeAr OlD!!!!! AnD I ThInK OuR TeAm WoN ThE InTeRcLuB ChAmPiOnShIp.JuSt ThOuGhT I LeT U KnOw :-]

FrOm MiChAeL

Hey Hugh

What fantastic tools you are being offered to help you communicate. Wouldn’t it be weird if once you are recovered, you decide that toys and thingimajigs for people in your current state, might be a career move for you.
Keep the updates coming. We love to hear them.

Heather

Hey Hughie

By the interest shown in supporting you this carnival is is going to be HUGE!!! we’ll have to see if we can link you up my friend, miss ya smiling face, but sending you all the positives possible. ALWAYS in our thoughts.

Henrietta

I’d like to say thankyou to Waikanae school for their coin trail and to Kapiti and Paraparaumu college for their support from workday and mufti day. I can not forget everyone else for their support over the past two weeks. Thanks also to Mr McKay from Thrifty Rentals for the cool car. That allows mum to come and see me. Also thanks to Rob Borgers for the use of the cellphone. You are all awesome. Our lives would be much harder without your support and positive thoughts.
Can someone please get a video of the swim meet because it will be hilarious to watch my Dad swim in a race. Some of you other old farts better aiso race so my dad doesn’t look TOO bad!!!
IS DIVING PERMITTED!!!!????

Dear Michelle, Hugh, Bevan, Adele

Hi hugh it is your friends Jason Donovan and Cameron Stichbury. we hope you are doing ok Just got back from Mount Ruapehu we also went and had a look at where the lahar had come down.

Huge,
so now youve got a laptop? do you need it setting up? do i get paid travel? if your anything like your mum on computers its a lost cause.
Just back from Div2, Christopher and Joseph swam awesome. I was just thinking with all this traction it will make you taller? you always where a bit vertically challenged.
PS Im doing 50 breaststroke, i only want to start on the wall as my togs coming off is a bit of a worry. i think i should use those things that wrestlers use the ones over your shoulder…
.
see you in a few weeks when we come to see Adam swim 200 breast and 400 free, he needs to get rid of the suitcases (excess paggage).

All the best
Paul

Hi Hugh & Adele
Just thinking of you (as always) and wanted to let you know. Great news about the movement. Every bit counts. Just praying for that swelling to go down. Jenny and I are looking forward to seeing you - we’ll come while everyone else is at warm ups. Let us know if there’s anything you want us to bring down. Love Jan G.

Hi Hugh, Jan here Jakes Mum.We were at Surf today and lots of people asking how you are and all wrapt to hear all the good news!!! Trying to get all these Surfies into the pool at your meet and it’ll be fun watching them try to make the end without a wave coming along to help them out.Great to hear you’ve got lots of new toys to play with.All us oldies are having to think of getting in some training but seriously worried about the dive as feel we may leave togs goggles etc behind so feel there may be a lot of water starts!Keep strong, each little step will add up to a lot in time.

Huge
you need to tell me what kind of video stream you have and what is the bandwidth…boring

Hi Hugh

Just read your comment - yes diving will be permitted but think we will put a sign up to beware of shallow water :)).
Glad to see your sense of humour is still warped. Dont let the traction straighten that out too much.
Levin Masters have emailed me to say they are sending a large contingent to swim at your meet. We have the pool till 10pm - perhaps midnight could be more appropriate, there are going to be so many people there. Blow Mum a kiss from us…

Heather

Hey Hugh, Adele, Mitchelle, Bevan

Just a quick note to say that we are thinking of you all and hope that the best outcome for Hugh arises.

Warmest Regards from the Charteris Family in Otoko.

Hugh
I hope the video of the fat old chufters race gives you a laugh. I am starting my training today. Like Paul I am worried about diving and being seen in Speedos. I am also worried that the race appears to be attracting a high quality of older unattached swimmers from the conversations we had at Div 2. Paul Norris and I discussed swimming 25m each in the 50 free but thought we may get DQed. We decided if you are going to go for a DQ then you should do it with an early start so you don’t have to actually do the race.
Cheers Richard (Jofish’s Dad)

Glad to hear all the old codgers are getting some training in. Are you all doing 10 sessions? If not -pathetic. You’ll be on strike one!
I’m getting a lot more feeling back. Just this
morning it hurt when they did the
blood test on my arm. I can also feel all down my legs and arms and the feeling
gets stronger every day. I can strongly move my arm but not my hand or fingers
YET!
Thanks to Kelly for the awesome card and lollies. It was great to get all the comments from my swimming mates, even though you are the opposition!

Hey Man,
I’m back in NZL, and yes, it is better than California. Going to see you soon, and that is cool. I’ve got most of the Bracelets and they look great. I had to ship out about half of them, they were 25kg, and it was tough to get everything with the weight restrictions. Don’t worry, plenty of them are here, and they will all be here for the meet.

Glad you’re feeling stronger. Let me know about your bandwidth and iChat/AOL screenname, I have my mac which can videoconference anywhere (well, not the pool, the coverage there is just crap).

Yes, I’ll get in and swim as well. Training will start tomorrow, visiting the USA was good, but, everyone wanted to meet for Lunch/Dinner, etc. and it was a constant feeding, and only walking the dogs for exercise….

Jim

Hi Hugh, Bevan, Adele and MICHELLE,

Hugh that is FANTASTIC news that the needle hurt!! I have been following your recovery on this site. You have come a long way in a short time.

Michelle you are doing a great job. Just don’t let your big brother get too bossy.

Take care of yourselves. Thinking of you all.
Tara

Hugh
Pain in your arms, great news, we’re well pleased for you
(Not that any us want you to be in pain, but hey its what we want to hear at the moment.)
Keep it up
We’re all in for a long night on the 12th May, seem it’s going to be a long meet but it’ll be worth it.
Keep up the good work, it’s fantastic to be getting the updates from the horses mouth, so to speak.
Hear from you soon.
Thinking of you

BTW
The old codgers - 10 sessions, be realistic; even you top swimmers find that a challenge at times.
Don’t you think they should start on 8 or 9????

Hi evryone,
Michelle and I have return home form Christchurch and both of us are back at work!! I’ve been speaking to Hugh today and he seems pretty happy. He is now off his antibiotics and is also off oxygen!! he is very happy about both of these things. The oxygen used to really dry out his mouth and caused some discomfort even though it helped him progress. The road is slow and a lot of patinece is required from here. The Drs have confirmed that he will be be in traction for another month when he will have an MRI scan. We now hope that his spine stays inalignment and heals quickly so that he can get out of bed and on with rehab! Thank you one and all!!!!

Hi Hugh and Adele

Great to hear about the progress. I will appreciate how lucky I am to feel having blood tests done in the future.

The girls love the bracelets, I will get mine tomorrow.

Due to the strong demand of everybody wanting to swim at your meet I have very relunctently agreed to stay on poolside to help out instead. Though as I haven’t got an up to date first aid certificate it won’t be, in what may turn out to be the most important position of all, that of life guard!

Adele, Looks like with all your new found computer skills, Bev may have found a successor.

Does the car have a GPS?

Keep going and we are always thinking of you.

G’day Hugh,
My name is Jeetan Patel, from the BlackCaps. I have heard about your sad accident in Oriental Bay, via my mother Kelly Russell, who is a friend of your Aunty and Uncle.

Upon hearing the news, i was very saddened by the accident, and i can’t imagine how it would have been for you and your family. But with good old kiwi strength and determination, it seems that things are on the mend! Which is Fantastic news!!!
I have always said to myself throughout my cricketing career (and life), that no matter what happens, i’m always willing to bounce back!!! No matter how rough it gets. I know this accident may hold you back for a while, but with all the support around you, i’m sure things will become better again. I wish you all the very best in your recoveries, and i’m sure i’ll see you on TV at the Olympics 1 day.

From,
Jeetan Patel, and the BlackCaps!!!

Hi Hugh GREAT!!!! to hear your gettilng feeling back in your legs and arms. Im sure you will get movement in your hands very soon. I, like all the other parents are getting a little bit nervous about race night. I had Dayna teaching me how to do breaststroke properly on Saturday. She taught me well cos we had a race and I bet her. She’s got me beat in everything else tho.
Keep up the progress and look forward to hearing of more improvements that you are making.
Hi to your mum, you are very lucky to have such an awesome family.

Hi Hugh, I am working down at Scott Base Antarctica as the Field Support Coordinator. A group of twenty Kiwi’s are down here for the winter keeping Scott Base running until October, when the first flight of the summer season comes in.Gemma and Lucy have told me about your accident and are keeping me informed as to your recovery. This small group of Kiwi’s from Scott Base wish you all the best in the hard road ahead, to hopefully a full recovery.

hae HUghy!!!!!!!!!
here is a few brain teasers to start ya day!!!!

Q:If an areoplane crashed exactly on the boarder of France and Germany,where would the survivors be buried???????????????????
A:you dont bury survivors, dahhh!

figure out this one!
Q:The maker dosnt need it, the owner dosnt want it and the person who is using it dosnt know he`s using it.what is it????????????????????????
A:a coffin!!

Nyway hope ya get betta soon,we miss u down at raumati,so ya GOTTA make a full recovery!

*************BROOKE*********************
P.S:you have nearly been in the Paper more times than me wen i swallowed the stud.
:*) ;~) :@ :$ :} :B :O ;*) ;-x

`;)

Hugh

Had my first training yesterday. Not good. The old guy next to me (about 70) kept passing me. At least I have started. Paul Norris has put off starting until tomorrow. Is that strike two for him.

Richard M

I’m with Helen, re the meet on the 12th :-)Raumati Pools lane space is going to chocker over the next few weeks with all this training going on…..no point in filling it with people in who need to go back to Mandi’s KLTS programme, me that is!
I’ll be much more use washing dishes or some other useful household chore…..
Great to hear the progress reports and see the support still flowing in, keep up the good work, school work I mean
Thinking of you
Norris Clan

Paul, that’s strike 2 for you! But seeing as you helped me I’ll let you off this once but you’d better be in that pool tomorrow or else! lol.

Helen, Mum says not to be so cheeky! She hasn’t got lost too often (for her that is-A miracle)
Richard, don’t worry, The old codgers pass us sometimes too. (when we’re going the other way!)

Had a sore head last night. the nurses had to turn me and told me that my hair has gotten too long and has started to form dreds! Could be the fact that I haven’t washed my hair for over 2 weeks.
I suppose they’ll have to go before I go back to school!

Its amazing getting comments from the Black Caps and from people from the deep depths of Antarctica.

Thanks all of you for the support
Hugh

Hi there Hugh
It doesn’t seem right to say ‘great that you’re feeling pain’ but it is a great sign that you felt the needle. Seems to be good signs every day which is fantastic!!!

We soooo wish we could see your Dad swimming at the meet - what a sight to behold!!??

Love to all your family & thinking of you heaps.
Love & hugs
Dan Susie Henry Sam & Bex

Ey up geezer…
of course i myself dont need to much training but if i had a camera at the pool it is a sight to behold.
.
Ill let you and the million people that read this know that i can fit into my speedo’s, now once on i cant get them off, but hey do i look cool (not) bring it on kids….
.
go for it Hugh, we want to soak you with water bombs, sam cant wait.

We are cruel - your sides must be hurting from laughing. I can’t help but laugh when reading these comments. Paul asked me if I was going to swim - choke. I will be using the laptop and as Laptops dont like water I had to decline. I know you will forgive me. (yeah rite)
Have to agree with Helen - GPS for mum is pretty important but it will help that she isn’t distracted by talking to any passengers at the moment. Had a chat with Dad today and filled him in with stuff we are doing up here. No doubt he will tell you about it sometime. Last night of Club champs here tonight. Miss you in the pool and Mum’s pink shoes on the end.
See you guys next week.
Heather

Wow - the gift of pain! Isn’t that a turn around! Exciting news! I did some lengths at Kilbirnie while the waterpolo kids were practising but obviously it is all happening at Raumati!! Move over guys some of us girls are coming through! Jan G.

Hi Hugh
Your dad has been keeping me up to date about your progress. I just wanted to say that I think that you are incredibly courageous and I admire your positive attitude. I know that you have a wonderful caring family and this will give strength in the months to come. It has been encouraging to hear of your progress so far and eventhough many people like myself feel so far away it has been a priviledge to share this difficult journey with you. My thoughts and prayers for your ongoing recovery are with you and your family. After looking at this site I see that you are surrounded by some amazing friends and family. Take care,
Marilyn Way

hae hughy how r u doing. me and my family r missing u and adele soooooooooooooooooooooooo much, michelle is still catching rides with us youre room is going 2 look so kool with all the letters and pictures u have got!!!!!
so get well k bye x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0

hae hugh
hwe r u doing!
Waikanae School is realy missing ya altho not much people knw ya bt we r still thnkn of u all

get well soon from leilani!!!!!!!!!

Hi Hugh and Michelle

It was my birthday yesterday and it was the icing on the cake (if you’ll pardon the pun) to read what yu’d said Hugh about having all that feeling coming back!

Best wishes - Kay Crump

Hi there Hugh
Your story is haunting close to mine.20 years ago I did exactly the same thing as you diving into the sea am also an ex pupil at Paraparaumu College.Just for the record Hugh you are the 5th pupil or ex pupil to get a spinal injury and be using a chair.
IM heavily involved with sport and part of the New Zealand Wheelchair rugby team and raced for New Zealand in track racing and you may remember me coming to talk to the college a couple of times when I was fund raising.
We are all very well supported and there are great oppurtunities out there Hugh.So dont ever look at your Injury as being the end of it all.You can put your mind to anything and as soon as your back here on the Kapiti coast Im sure Parafed will be in contact with you.You may remember Gavin, who had his injury in Australia about a year ago,whom Pak and Save did all that fund raising for? Well heres already part of the Wellington Wheelchair rugby team and absolutely loving it.
So hang in there mate as we are all thinking about ya.Take care
Chris Hickling
ps. If youve got an e mail address I can always send some photos of our team etc.Might be quite a motivator!

Sounds like you’re working overtime Hugh. Not only are you getting yourself back into shape but you’re motivating others to get back into the pool. Impressive.

I’m with Heather though, someone’s got to be working on the night. Looking forward to checking the progress of these oldies from the end of the pool. DQ forms a ready!

Adele, would have to say ChCh is a difficult place to get lost in the key is to just keep going in the direction you want to end up in. Eventually you get there. Very important to remember that whilst this works in ChCh it doesn’t work in the rest of NZ unfortunately!

Found this and thought you might appreciate it Hugh!

Little Johnny pees in the pool
Little Johnny is approached by the lifeguard at the public swimming pool.
“You’re not allowed to pee in the pool,” said the lifeguard.
“I’m going to report you.”
“But everyone pees in the pool,” said Little Johnny.
“Maybe,” said the lifeguard, “but not from the diving board!”

Take care.

Hey Hugh

just checkin that you are doing school work and not reading emails all day!!
Keeo that progress going

Lots of lv

the Savages xxx

Great to get your message Chris. My e mail is:
hughc@southernhealth.school.nz.
I watched the wheel chair rugby at the paraolympics,truely inspirational. would love to see your photos.

Jill, love the jokes keep them coming.

Most of the oldies won’t be doing the flash flip turns. I know for a fact my Dad won’t be as he needs a long breather at the end of the pool!!

My room IS covered with strings of cards and I have the record of the most mail ever at Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to you all for that.

I’ve also got a lot of pictures sent from you all stuck to my roof. Keep them coming.

Once again
Thanks for the support.

so heres another lame joke haha!
so this married cuple were strugleing to pay the rent so the lovly husband asked his wife to go on the street for the week to do what she does best so that they can pay the rent at the end of the week. so she leave on when she comes home after the end of the week working on the conner haha he quickly rips of her hand bag and tips out all the money.
$75.50 is what he counted
“sheesh whos the tight ars that only gave you 50 cents?” the man asks
“they all did!” she replyed haha get better h xx

Hi Hugh

It’s been great to have your dad back at school. We really enjoyed doing the coin trail for you. Hope you get better, we have thought about you heaps. We remember once when you came to our house and found a nest with pukekos eggs in it, that was fun.

From Keaton, Finlay, Baxter and Bronte

You probably don’t know us but we are from Hamilton Swimming Club where your old coach John Pike now coaches. We wish you all the best and hope you get well soon.

From Brenda (10) & Michael (8)

hello hugh thats reallllllllllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy gooooooooooooddddddddd newwwwwwsss about your updatessssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just to let you know all of us are always thinking of you

Evening Hugh and Adele

Fancy getting a message from the Black Caps-told you they were inspirational!
Just thought I’d let you know that the old codgers from Waikanae are planning to partake in the swim meet. Can’t say that there will be a lot of training going on but I can guarantee the splash!
Oh dear!

Thinking of you daily
WS

Hi Hugh.
Incredible array of messages. Great to read, Ill bet.
Like many others we are looking at swimming in May. A bit worried about Pauls claims about fitting into the speedos.
Makes me wonder, who’s!
Michelle said she would willingly pay if I dont turn up and swim in speedos. Cant quite understand why!
Sounds like you are going to become an IT grommit, with the way you are set up.
Sounds great.
Keep up the good work with your recovery.
Best wishes
Tony, Carol and Michelle.

dammm jeetan patel forgot to say dale mcnamara is the best off spinner in nz and the best number 10 batsmen

Hi there Hugh,

Best wishes for a positive and strong recovery. I am thinking of you often and sending my very best wishes your way. I was thrilled to read that you are getting more feeling in your legs. Hope that traction allows that spine of yours to heal well. All the very best. LOL to your family. Michelle, loved the updates that you have provided but what’s with the spelling?!!! I’m sure I didn’t teach you that in Room 4!

Warmest thoughts,

Adele (aka Mrs O)

Carol,
if i have to do speedo’s you old birds (20+) have to do the lycra one piece…at least yours sucks the fat in, mine just make it hang over…so Huge, i bet i can do a better DQ than you did that time at manawatu…or Wellington, or Raumati, come to think of it you were only eclipsed on the DQ front by Adam…

Hugh

Had my second training yesterday. Getting better. I am picking up my stamina but still no speed. The guy learning to swim next to me told me I need to get my left arm up higher as I bring it over. I was too tired to tell him to stuff off. I thought 50m sprinters swing their arms around anyway. Don’t know if Paul has hit the water yet. Just keeps talking about it.

Richard M

Hugh & Family,
You are probably wondering who this Doyle family from Dunedin is and what is the connection. So by way of introduction I have 5 childern 4 of which are swimmers. Braden (15), Carina (13), Eilis (10) Imogen (10). Braden & Carina are members of Waves and train daily with Shane Patience your ex swimming mate. Tara my sister worked with your dad at Raumati school.

My family is saddend by your accident, however if you are like my son Braden or Shane I know you will turn the determination and effort that goes into being a competitive swimmer (few non swimmers understand the determination it takes to be a fast swimmer) into getting better and overcoming this set back. The recovery road will be long and have set backs, however so is the road to the top in swimming which you were on. My family and I wish both you and your family all the best and will be checking your progress. Regards the Doyle family.

Hi Guys,
Had a small operation this morning to stick a tube into a small hole in my stomach. This will help to stop infection to my bladder and kidneys. I was awake for the whole thing but due to a local anaesthetic I couldn’t feel a thing.

Joke:
Two men were hunting in the forest when suddenly one of them clutched his chest and fell to the ground. The second man dialed 111 and asked for the ambulance. They put him through to a doctor.
The second guy said, ” My friend clutched his chest and collapsed and I think he’s dead!”
“You’re not a doctor you have no authority to say if he’s dead or not! I want you to go over to him and make sure he’s dead,” the doctor said.
“OK,” the second guy replied.
THere was silence on the phone for a minute.
Suddenly the doctor heard a gun shot.
The second guy came back onto the phone and said, “what do I do now?”

Is anyone doing any training apart from Richard and Jan G?
Great to see you Waikanae school staff getting into it. Well done!!!!
Thanks to everyone else for the comments. I look forwrd to them every morning.

Dear Hugh and Family:

Since your accident you and your family have been constantly on our minds. All too close to home for us. As you know our son Mark, a Raumati Swimmer, had a very serious car accident seven years ago. The support we had from the community and the Swim Club was overwhelming and helped all of us tremendously. Mark reminds me a lot of you, very positive fit and determined. Seven years on he has completely recovered and is leading a very active life in Surf livesaving and coaching swimming of course — all of that besides his university studies. But without his positive attitude and all the rehabilitation he was able to do in the water his recovery would have been not so miraculous.
Our thoughts are always with you and your family and we will eagerly follow your progress. We are sure we soon will see you in the pool again!
Keep up the good spirits.
Brian, Bettina, Colin and Mark

Hugh & family,

I’m very sorry to hear about your accident.

Just over 12 years ago I had a spinal injury playing rugby that left me C5 tetraplegic.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I personally know what you and your family are going through. But stay strong mate because there is light at the end of the tunnel you have wonderful support from family, friends and the community.

If I can assist you or your family in any way please do not hesitate to contact me. If it’s just someone to talk to when you get home or if I can help your family with local knowledge of resources I’m here.

I wish you a full recovery from your accident and stay positive.

Take care,

Brad

Hey Hugh,

I hope you are doing as well as you can be.
Ever since hearing of your accident, you have been in my thoughts.
As you know, I went through a similar ordeal in 2001 and could not have gotten through it without the support that I received from friends and family.
Keep your friends and family nice and close – remember that you have touched a part in all of them, and made an impact in all of their lives somewhere along the line.
You are such a strong individual with a passion for life.

You and your family have my thoughts and support throughout your recovery.

Mark

Hugh,

College has just received this email from MICHAEL CAMPBELL

Hi Hugh,
Just been reading about you on your website and I can see that you are a man of determination and courage, keep it up Hugh and show everyone that you are a true WARRIOR!!

Best Wishes
Your new fan Michael Campbell

Everyone here is always thinking of you and your family, we read the website many times a day.

Julie

Hi Hugh well aren’t you the celeb from the coast. We are all gona want an autograph when you get home. I havn’t made it back to the pool yet for training but intend on getting into it big time next week. I got to get me some proper togs for that. So glad I’m not a guy and have to wear speedos!! Pauls right we get the one piece and it hopefully will hold everything in. Looking forward to the 12th May it’s gona be a great night.

Donna

wow hugh one record already sooooooo… whats nexts commonwealth record olympic record.

great to see improvment
from Sam

Hugh, hang in there. California, USA is pulling for you.

Hugh

Third training and I’m starting to feel better. Well actually I feel like crap but I am trying to be positive. I’m not sure how you guys can trash up and down the pool at top speed for two hours. The strength of mind needed to keep going when your body is screaming must be incredible. I thought Pauls roast spud comment reflected his roots. We would say turned like a saussie on the BBQ. Keep positve.

Richard M

PS Has Paul Norris started training yet or is he still looking at himself wearing speedos in the mirror.

Hi Hugh and Adele

Adele, as promised the joke I told you about!

A man was walking along a California beach and stumbled across an old
lamp. He picked it up and rubbed it and out popped a genie.

The genie said,
‘OK. You released me from the lamp, blah, blah, blah. This is the fourth
time this month and I’m getting a little sick of these wishes, so you
can forget about three. You only get one wish.’

The man sat and thought about it for a while and said,
‘I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii but I’m scared to fly and I get very
seasick. Could you build me a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over there
to visit?’

The genie laughed and said, ‘That’s impossible. Think of the logistics
of that! How would the supports ever reach the bottom of the Pacific?
Think of how much concrete… how much steel! No, think of another
wish.’

The man said OK and tried to think of a really good wish. Finally, he
said,
‘I’ve been married and divorced four times. My wives always said that I
don’t care and that I’m insensitive. So, I wish that I could understand
women… know how they feel inside and what they’re thinking when they
give me the silent treatment… know why they’re crying, know what they
really want when they say “nothing”… know how to make them truly
happy. .’

The genie said,
‘You want that bridge two lanes or four?’

Good to hear from you Adele, sending lots of love to both of you.

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke xxxx

Best of luck to Penny Reid who is having a bypass
operation today. We’re all thinking of you.

Just heard from my English teacher Mr Cowans who has told me the great news that I don’t have to do English anymore as I have passed the required papers for literacy and university entrance!!! Ya hooooo!!! No more English.

Thanks to Mrs Meiring for forwarding the message from Michael Campbell.Awesome Wow!!!

Thanks to Mark Finch for your comments. I certainly remember you and admired your determination and courage.

To Brad. It was good to hear from you. It would be good to get in touch with you later down the track. Could you e mail your e mail address to :
hughc@southernhealth.school.nz

Great joke Mrs Lawrie. I’ll have to think of some more for you all later.
Not much to report from my end.
See ya.

PS. Keep up the training Richard. Everyone will now be expecting great things from you!!!!

All the best of luck to Penny Reid who is having a bypass
operation today. We’re all thinking of you.

Just heard from my English teacher Mr Cowans who has told me the great news that I don’t have to do English anymore as I have passed the required papers for literacy and university entrance!!! Ya hooooo!!! No more English.

Thanks to Mrs Meiring for forwarding the message from Michael Campbell.Awesome Wow!!!

Thanks to Mark Finch for your comments. I certainly remember you and admired your determination and courage.

To Brad. It was good to hear from you. It would be good to get in touch with you later down the track. Could you e mail your e mail address to :
hughc@southernhealth.school.nz

Great joke Mrs Lawrie. I’ll have to think of some more for you all later.
Not much to report from my end.
See ya.

PS. Keep up the training Richard. Everyone will now be expecting great things from you!!!!

Joke, you may have heard it before….
A man walks into a Jaguar Dealership and is drooling over the new cars and bends down to touch the leather seat.

As he does so, he lets out a fart.

Hoping no one notices he stands quickly and looks around, hoping no one sees him…to his dismay a salesman is right there.

Composing his thoughts quickly he says “Ahem, I wonder if you could tell me the price on this fine vehicle”

The salesman looks at him and says: “Sir, if you farted at the touch of the car, you’ll crap when you hear the price”

See you soon,
Jim

hey hugh and adele
stinking hot day up here! summer rolls on…. it’s great to have bevan back on board although we know he would rather be with you two!
some of us are heading off to coastlands for more fund raising tomorrow…. so will be thinkin of you especially…
sending lots of positive vibes..
janine moody

U.E.
Already Good on ya!!!!
Will you please have a word with Adam next week and tell him how it’s done.
Great to hear the updates from yourself and Dad of course.
Keep up the good work.
Thinking of you always.
Norris’s

To my favourite brother in the whole wide world! 1 minute ago

Hugh,
This is definitely a good way to get girls attention! And it worked! I hope your not giving those nurses too much grief! You know what I mean! Ha-ha just jokes brovva!

I remember the time when we were little; you would stare down at me. I would marvel at how HUGE your head was and how white your hair was.
You would pick me up and give me a massive hug until I basically shat my nappies because you would squeeze me so hard! You gave me the best hugs Hugh! I must say I haven’t had one in a while

I remember when Mark Johnson lost his false teeth and we found them in your togs! Te hehe

I remember when you came second at juniors! Yaya Hughy u achieved in so many other swimming and non swimming stuff it’s just a little but hard for me to remember them all!
You used to piss me off because you always bet me at swimming! That was back in the day before I pods were even thought of and disposable nappies were only a wish to many stressed mothers.

You used to tell me all these rude jokes that I never understood but I laughed anyway… I guess I am such an innocent child!

Now this, I seem to remember quite well! CHRISTMAS! I thought I was Mr. Tough nuts and decided to walk across a huge, fast flowing, deep mother f**ker of a river! I got stuck half way across the river and also lost my shoe. I was screaming for help. I must say it did take you quite a while to realize that my screams were not the call of a sika deer whistling in the depths of the bush, but In fact the dreadful noise could only be your sister having a tantrum. You sped across the rocks and dived into the water without hesitation, even though all day you were trying to keep your clothes and shoes dry. You came to my aid and comforted me like your little sister again (this is so cheesy ha-ha) and not that annoying “person” that snaps at you every time you snored at night. I must say that was quite a laugh considering I am the qualified life guard. (Don’t worry I have saved people before I am not that bad)

Hughy don’t ever feel like you are battling this on your own; because you are NOT! I am here with you the whole way and so are all your friends and family! Your cards and comments on the internet explain it all!

Don’t ever let those nurses push you around (only I can do that)  I know you can be stubborn and bossy because you always are to me!

You are doing awesome! I will be here when you come home.
No matter what, you are my favourite brother and I must admit, I know you won’t admit it, but you are my best bud!

I love you HUGE! You know I could never live without you! Even though you do leave such a mess in your room and you car and steal the remote 24/7. Also the fact that you always wined me up any chance you got!!! I will let you get away with that….for a little while anyway

Please get better! Nothing is the same without you at home! I actually get to watch the programmes I want to watch. But…. They don’t seem so interesting anymore. I didn’t really like them that much….tehehe I just watched some of them to get up your nerves! Tehehe

The house is so tidy, the car so clean. There is no shouting or yelling. Our home just isn’t the same without out you and your belongings making yourself at home and marking your territory

I MISS YOU HUGH! I want you to hug me so tight even if it does mean I crap myself because I love you!

Love your mist annoying little sister you could have ever wanted, MICHELLE xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoo
xxooxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo……… (More than anyone could write)

Hugh ,
u cant b serious wanting more roberts jokes tell me u were under heavy medication when u replied .At least jim’s r funny .

Jakes rite man they r sick n who cares about the tennis we played federer n roddick and lost 6-0 6-0.

amzing news about hugh!!!!!!!!!! :O
GUESS WHAT !!!!!!! hughs doc Anthony angelo I think that’s his name came in to see hugh this morning. He started playing with his feet and asked hugh if he could feel what he was doijn.:) and where abouts he was touching? And what it felt like. the doctors told hugh that he has got A LOT MORE FEELING IN HIS TOES!:P Which means there is pathways in his spinal cord down to his toes! Yaya and this means that hugh will have to get a mirror on the ceiling and angle it down to his feet so that his brain can connect to his toes and try and move his toes!!!!!!!:D ( They do this because the brain needs to see the toes to be able to move them) Hopefully Hugh will surprise us with movement but we don’t know yet! We still don’t know if he can walk but this is definatley an improvement and a good thing! Whop whop go hugh boi! Hugh is absolutely stocked and just ta let u no I said one swear word on hughs email address to zarn birgers e.g: it a shit day today and the school said sorry could not send abusive words!!!!!!! So ya no it myt be a bit sensitive! So it myt not get to hugh gay ae… haha o well
Hope this brightens ur dae!
Love michelle hugh adele bevan!

i mean he has up ward pathways i his spinal cord from his toes to his brain now we want to try and get downward pathways going!

Hugh,

Our thoughts are with you and your family each day, Great to hear the progress you’re making.
Keep up the good work,

The Team at Kilbirnie Sports

Hey Hugh. Sounds like your doing awesome, its great to hear. I thought because i am swimming in this swim meet i better actually get in the pool for some training, it took me half an hour to actually locate my togs, and just as long to get them on (bloody speedos). Its been a while lol.
Keep up all the progress your doing great

Hey hugh ,
Even better news 2day wow factor yet again mate. Maybe we should get that late entry 4 youth and opens 2 give snyders a hurry up .bye 4 now.

Hi Hugh

It’s Waikane School’s receptionist here aka the drunken blonde from the Christmas party at your grandparents place! There’s always gotta be one.

However this morning I was at my sober and respectable best, collecting bucket-loads of money for you at Coastlands. It’s really great how generous people are and how much everyone is behind you and your recovery.

It was good to have your Dad back at school this week but I know he would so much have rather been with you and your Mum in Chch.

We know his brain is elsewhere because he came to work on Wed with his flies and buttons undone and no belt!! I told him why did he even bother with the trousers!!

Anyway we were all very excited to hear that you could feel your toes today - your Dad was bouncing round all the collectors telling us all.

Will shut up now - lots of warm wishes to you and your Mum - my family are thinking of yours all the time.

Maria, Gregg, Matt and Adam

Hi hughie poohie
I am just reading all the messages or better to say scanning the messages as there are so many. Talked to mum this morning and she relayed the great news, but hay a mirror! remember you are to look at your feet not ya face!!
Man I’d love to be there watching Bevey Babe swim 50m, hope he dosen’t go all out with the training as in past ironmans all that work for last must be a trifle demoralizing!!
chelle bell I remember the false tooth incident all that searching in the sand for Marks teeth and Hughie hiding them in his shorts!! If only you knew, aye Hugh. Well you have only got a few weeks to show me how you can be a real man by being able to pick ya nose and scratch ya bum. See ya soon
Kirsty & Ken

Hugh,

Penny had her operation on Friday and everything seems to have gone well. She is being moved into a ward sometime today and I will be visiting her on Monday. She will be amazed to hear she has been on your website. The Canes even had a win for her tonight!

Always good to read about the progress you are making.

We send our love to you all.

Julie

Hi Hugh

Saw your Dad on Friday and he was good. He’s so so proud of you and hates not being with you. They’re looking after him well at school and he’s got things organised so it’s pretty sweet. Too many visitors to do any real work but and he’s just counting off the days till he can come down. Tell Michelle to keep writing ’cause my daughter, Catherine, can decode it for me. We read this page every day up in ‘Nua and your good news gives us all a boost. And tell your Mum i met Jaqui Clarke whose covering for her at work. Keep working hard and don’t lose focus.

Trevor Nicky Catherine and Anna

Kia Ora,

Hugh’s Health.

Some exciting news! Hugh has gained a lot of sensitivity in his feet over the past few days, so much so Doctors are making a concerted effort to get Hugh to move his toes/feet.
They are going to install a mirror above his bed so that he can see his feet. This is so he can visualize the connection from brain to toe/foot and attempt to get it to wiggle. The Doctors said that this will involve a lot of hard work for Hugh and will take some time.

Obviously this is good news and we hope that the increased sensitivity in his feet leads to movement.!!! It may or may not but I know that Hugh will give it a good crack. Go TED!!

Hugh remains in good spirits focusing on making the most of whatever function he gets back.

Trust Funds In Action.

The family remains amazed, overwhelmed and humbled by the reaction of the community to Hugh’s injury. We are very grateful for the support that have /are receiving. You are all so generous of your time and energy.!!!!!!

A special thank you to those people in Gisborne and Kapiti who have established Trust Funds for Hugh. I think the main people behind these are Sally Gaddum and Kirsty Shaw in Gisborne and Paul Norris and Richard Campbell in Kapiti.

All sorts of groups and individuals have held/will hold fund raising events that will contribute to the Trusts. They include such things as…

1. Kapiti College Mufti day
2. Paraparaumu College Year 13 Work Day
3. Waikanae School Coin Trail
4. ‘Dig Deep for Hugh’ Coastlands Collection
5. Raumati Swimming Club Benefit Swim Meet on the 12th May
6. Raumati Swimming Club Jelly Brace Sales
7. Capital Swim Club Raffle and Swim Meet
8. Raffles
9. Private Donations

The end result will be a substantial Trust to help Hugh achieve life goals such as gaining a University Qualifications and Competition in Sports/Swim Meets. The Trust may also be used to help with everyday things that he may need e.g. Adaptive Technology, transport, housing etc

A BIG thank you to Heather Newall, Precise Print, Coastlands, More FM, The Observer Newspaper, The Red Cross, and the National Bank for Yesterdays Coastlands Collection ‘Dig Deep for Hugh’. The day involved approx 100 collectors from Waikanae School , Paraparaumu College and the Raumati Swimming Club and raised over $7000!!

More news as it comes to hand!!!

Thank you.

Bevan

Hello Hugh

Hayley was so looking forward to collecting for you at Coastlands yesterday. She had told her class at school she was going to be with Mum holding a bucket at Coastlands.

But alas, she was a little forgetful. She was given a ballet notice on Thursday about a Saturday rehearsal (just at the time she was to be collecting). She forgot to give it to Mum, and we found out about the rehearsal two hours before. So I did the collecting without Hayley, she was so disappointed.

You are abit of a hero in the area, many people had read about you in the paper, and those that had not were interested in your story.

Great to hear the good news in your progress. Keep it going.

Boderick / Pike Family

Hey Hugh

Was amazed at the generosity of people yesterday at Coastlands.

We collected outside Woolworths and had people making a speacial trip down just to donate money. There were alot of $20 notes collected. Kinda restores your faith in humanity.

Speaking of faith, we knew you could do it. Wiggle those toes and get those connections working hard.

And here’s a particularly bad joke not only dedicated to you but to Jake as well since he gave us such a special mention!

Mike Tysons New Computer.

Q: Did you hear about the new Mike Tyson Computer?

A: It has two bytes and no memory.

and this is even better

Q: Why do blondes have TGIF on their shoes?

A: Toes Go In First.

Chris & David have gone to the Truck racing at Manfield, hope they don’t get wet, so this is from Michael and Jill.

Ta Ta for now.

Hi Bevan, Adele, Hugh and Michelle,

I read the comments every day to check on your progress Hugh. Great news - you can now feeling doctors ‘tickling your toes.’ You are a very determined young man and will have those toes wiggling in no time.

Thinking of you all.

Tara

I would like to give a big THANKS to everyone for there support.Life would be must harder without you.
Unfotunately I have’nt got a mirror yet as they haven’t got any here. It has to be a tilting one on a stand. Hopefully we can locate one at Christchurch hospital.Jacob and Adele our friends who live here know the boss of the hospital.
It’ll be great to see all the peaple who are coming to youth and opens next week.

gday hugo

mum and dad have been keeping us informed of your progress and i’ve finally checked out this site…. somebody’s mr. popular!
i’ve been putting off posting anything because i guess i just don’t know what to say. i was gutted to hear about your accident. stoked though to read the updates of the last few days! sounds like you’re a real battler, so you just keep on battlin!
we’re sending you good vibes all the time. hope you get that mirror soon

sarah

ps loved the pic of you and michelle doing some kind of haka on bebo

Just a thought, maybe once you get a mirror, you should paint your toenails different colours so you can see if your brain is sending the right messages to the right toes or left as the case may be!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery from the Executive and Members of the Kapiti Swimming Club

michelle and hugh
this morning i read your letter to hugh, michelle dated 30/3/07… what can i say… very moving… sobbing over my morning cereal was not a great way to start the day but it did inspire me to think about my own loving family and write to you both. life often throws challenges at us and it seems more so as we get older and with all the uncertinities that can occur one thing is for sure… that your siblings (however painful and annoying)will always be there for you.. those memories of your childhood are what bond you together and no one can ever replace that. you and hugh will have many years to come to add to those memories and i look forward to the day when hugh does hug you so hard again that you poo your pants michelle.

Here’s a few jokes:
Q. Why did the blonde stare at the can of frozen orange juice?
A. Cause it said concentrate.

Q. What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant?
A. “Are you sure it’s mine?”

Q. How can you tell that a blonde sent you a fax?
A. It has a stamp on it.
Q. What did the blonde say when she saw the banana peel on the floor?
A. Oh no, I’m going to fall again!
Q. How can you tell a blonde has used your computer?
A. There is white out on the screen.
Q. Why did the blonde throw bread crumbs down the toilet?
A. To feed the toilet duck!

7. I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

10 things in golf that sound dirty
1. Look at the size of his putter.

2. Oh, dang, my shaft’s all bent.

3. You really wacked the hell out of that sucker.

4. After 18 holes I can barely walk.

5. My hands are so sweaty I can’t get a good grip.

6. Lift your head and spread your legs.

7. You have a nice stroke, but your follow through leaves a lot to be desired.

8. Just turn your back and drop it.

9. Hold up. I’ve got to wash my balls.

10. Damn, I missed the hole again.
Farting All The Time
Doctor, “What seems to be the problem?”

Patient, “Doc, I’ve got the farts. I mean I fart all the time,”

The Doctor nods, “Hmm.”

Patient, “My farts do not stink and you can’t hear them. It’s just that I fart all the time. Look, we’ve been talking here for about 10 minutes and I’ve farted five times. You didn’t hear them and you don’t smell them, do you?”
“Hmm,” says the Doctor,

He picks up his pad and writes out a prescription.

The patient is thrilled “Great doc. This prescription, will it really clear up my farts?”

“No,” sighs the Doctor, “The prescription is to clear your sinuses. Next week I want you back here for a hearing test.”

Here’s another joke:
Husband and wife are getting all snugly in bed. The passion is heating up.

But then the wife stops and says, “I don’ t feel like it. I just want you to hold me.”

The husband says ” WHAT???” The wife explains that he must not be in tune with her emotional needs as a woman.

The husband realizes that nothing is going to happen tonight and he might as well deal with it.

So the next day the husband takes her shopping at a big dept. store. He walks around and had her try on three very expensive outfits. And then tells his wife, We ‘ll take all three of them. Then goes over and gets matching shoes worth $200 each.

And then goes to the jewelry Dept. and gets a set of diamond earrings. The wife is so excited (she thinks her husband has flipped out, but she does not care). She goes for the tennis bracelet.

The husband says “but you don ‘t even play tennis, but OK if you like it then lets get it.’

The wife is jumping up and down. So excited she cannot even believe what is going on. She says ” I am ready to go, lets go to the cash register. ”

The husband says, ” no no no, honey we’re not going to buy all this stuff.” The wife face goes blank.

” No honey - I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while.”

Her face gets really red she is about to explode and then the husband says ” You must not be in tune with my financial needs as a MAN!”

Another
An old man goes to the doctor for his yearly physical, his wife tagging along. When the doctor enters the examination room, he tells the old man, “I need a urine sample, a stool sample and a sperm sample.”

The old man, being hard of hearing, looks at his wife and yells: “WHAT?”

“What did he say? What’s he want?”

His wife yells back, “He needs your underwear.”

Huge
Great to see Bevan and Michelle last night. In true Patience form we cooked up a storm on the BBQ and no one left hungry. Shame Delbabe couldn’t be there but she’s caring for a really special young man!!
Warriors got stuffed, so much for telling you to follow the Warriors doh! The Super14 still sucks and so does work.
Keep up your remarkable recovery huge. These messages are fantastic. Hope shaneO’s visit today goes well.
Best wishes Greg, Leigh, Kimberley and Shane

Hi Hugh, hope you get hold of that mirror and can start testing it out. Look forward to hearing how it all goes. Had first offical swim training this morning, just about knocked out one of the old timers oopps!! It’ll be great when the new pool is up and running no more cramped swimming. Hope you have a great week seeing all your friends they sure have been looking forward to seeing you.
Keep doing what your doing by improving all the time, constant thoughts going your way.

Donna

Hi Hugh.
Keep up the good work. We are thinking of you each day as are so many other people. I went down to Coastlands on Saturday to help, but there were so many people there already they didn’t need me! You have the whole community behind you egging you on and celebrating your progress.
Hey good news about being able to ditch English too - congratulations!

hey mate hope ya feeling a bit better great news about ya blood test all the best jake

I’ ve got my mirror now so I can see my feet. Now the hard work begins to see if I can move them at all.I’m working on the big toe first as the physios said that it CAN come back fairly early.
Saw Shane, Jenny and Jan Gosnell yesterday. It was great to see them. I will see The youth and Open’s team later on this morning. That will be good too!!!

Hi Hugh

Glad you have finally got your mirror. Remember to look at your toes though!!!

Keep smiling and stay positive. Hope you have a great visit from the youth and Open’s team.

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke xxxx

PS Brooke has sent you her picture, hopefully will arrive today/tomorrow.

Huge, boy you must spend most of your day reading these BLOGS, hardly sufficient time to do schooling, eat meals, think about the nurses and other minor items of interest.
Sorry to have to say this, BUT you haven’t been to swim club for a while, so…. I have to administer a “STRIKE 3″ now go sit on the pool edge.
The grapevine tells us there are a few brave ex-swimmers about who are looking through their bottom drawers to see if their togs still fit and plan to do some “training” for May. If the pool needs emptying then I’ll certainly get some assistance from John (Bow wave) Clark.
Keep that chin up and see you back in circulation soon!
Robin, Suzanne & Nic

two blonds walked into a bar, thought one of them would have seen it!

hughy
youll be pleased to know that dads in training woke up this morning and went for a swim. it was only half an hour but i guess thats a start ! sadly he can only do breastoke and he doesnt put his head under the water. but…. he has still challenged jim (he thinks he has a chance)haha.
he had to stop every 2 lengths or should i say 1 length!!!!! at the end dad timed me it was an ok time i guess but dad did a 1:06 so a little more training and he’ll have the same time as you. great to see your improving lots.
Sam

so of course, here i am thinking im swimming as fast as Hugh, my collapsing chest and nausea tell me i must be going fast, then samantha cruises on by…come on dad this isnt even training pace…so i thought i would go hard out for my last 50…i was flying, well my head told me i was flying, got to 25m, oh my god i needed to do another 25, at this point the old dear aqua jogging passes me by…i will never have a go at the kids to try harder…..and i have to repeat it all again on Thursday….i think if i get one of Jims bungy’s and tie it to the other end, stretch it out then let go, i would make juniors.
.
hope your getting lots of visitors, all the best…Mark spitz…aka Paul Flubber Norris

Hey hugh
its great to hear nd c all the improvments over the last uhhh how ever long! =D well i c this is becoming a chat sight of jokes so i thaught i beta join in the fun! now i stumbled accross this joke do not ask where!!! na just on a jokes websight and thaught it was pretty kewl!!! Any 1 that is under the age of…… uh hmmmm 10??? close ur eyes.

There was a woman who was interested in getting a boob job, so she went to her doctor, Dr. Smith and questioned him about implants.
He explained that, before you do anything too serious, there is a method that has worked for a lot of my patients.
Every morning when you wake up rub your boobs and say ”Scoobie doobie doobie, give me bigger boobies.”
She did this faithfully for weeks and noticed one day that they actually were getting bigger, she was very impressed. One morning she woke up, late for work and very rushed. By the time she got on the bus she realized that she forgot to go through her routine.
So standing on the bus, while rubbing her boobs she says ”Scoobie doobie doobie, give me bigger boobies”.
The man standing next to her says, ”You go to Dr. Smith?”
”Yes,” she said, ”how did you know?”
He replies ”Hickory dickory dock!”

Hugh,

It is great to hear how positive your attitude is and the progress that you have already made, my thoughts are with you over here in Colorado and look forward to reading about your progress!

Colin

HI Ya, Hughie,
Lying in bed this morning wriggling my toes! Just trying to imagine how it feels for you and just urging that big toe of yours to give you one hell of a fright and move, you go boy!
Sorry Bev would like to put my hand up in a public forum as this and say I got the Gissy trust fund going but that all was down to Sal and Linda, I was just the sounding board.
It is wonderful to have so many avenues to catch up with your progress hugh and I hope you are lapping up all your visitors this week down there. Thinking of you, and powerful thoughts are going to that big toe!
Kirsty

Hugh
How does it feel to have people fixated with your big toe. Its incredible to me that I got so excited when your Dad told me about the mirror thing when we were collecting on Saturday. Anyway back to me. The training is still going. After an pathetically small warm up yesterday I thought I would try to do some sprint work. What a joke. I always assumed that Josephs time for 50 free would be alot quicker but when I realised that William aged 9 can go faster than me I began to understand that the 12th of May will be a day of great shame for me. My kids are already laughing at me but then the rest of the Wellington swimming community can join in. All for a great cause. Have a good Easter

Richard M

Hi guys

Pleased you have your mirror hugh - every teenage boys’ dream !!( and a few of those older fella’s too I believe!! - Keep your Dad away from it when he gets back!).
You are an amazingly strong willed guy and we all know your determination and will to win is going to get you through. Keep those toes going!
Would love to come visit sometime - Shame Gissy’s such a long way away! Our thoughts are constantly with you all though.

Love and hugs to all
Linda and co. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hey Hughie,

So glad to hear of your awesome progress , you are an inspiration to as all with your achievements everyday! Ill be up in Chch over the weekend and next week, so I will come and visit, Can’t wait to see you and keep working on moving that big toe!!

Hey,
Crazy the number of visitors you’ve been having? I am psyched to hear about the luminaries from the swimming world. Great to see the shirts from the NZ team and know about all the people are pulling for you. Heaps of bands have gone out, and it is great to see people with them on. It makes a great statement.

We’re coming back after lunch and will see you again soon.

Just wanted to post up and let everyone know how great it is to have the support, and let everyone who can’t be in Christchurch right now that being here (on the board) is just as important…if you can’t visit Hugh in person, you can visit him here!

Anyway, see you soon,
Jim

Good to see Mana, TSW and of course my mates from Raumati over the last 2 days. Also caught up with Brett who is swimming incredibly well.
Dean Kent came to see me which was awesome. The NZ team gave me a signed shirt which is hanging on a string over my bed!!!
A bit tired today as there is a poor chap who had a car accident and along with many broken bones also has a head injury.He is therefore, rather confused and is very noisy at night. The doctors are going to give me a pain killer that makes me drowsy tonight.Hopefully it works!!!

Hi Hugh

Something else “signed” coming your way!!!

Just thought you should know that Penny Reed is coming out of hospital today.

Don’t eat tooooo many Easter eggs and keep positive!

Big hug to you all.

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke
xxxx

Hi Hugh,
Glad to hear in Orange, California, USA that you are doing better. Our prayers are with you and your family. Hope your feeling keeps improving and no operations are necessary. We will keep the faith on this continent and swim for you.

Happy Easter

Sheri

Hey Hugh,

I really hope your feeling better soon so i can come and see you. Also i want you to get better so you can keep swimming and go to the Olympics some time.
CYA!
Josh

wow hugh you will be pleased to no that dad did i pb he now has a 1:02 woop woop big improvment but im thinking it was maybe because it wasnt in the morning this time so he was functioning a bit better.
Sam

Hope you’re feeling a little more energized today. Ivana is in the water getting ready for her 100br. We’re going to head over after the morning finals session.

See you soon,
Jim

Hugh,
Get Well soon, thinking of you every day.

You are in our prayers. Kia Kaha (Be strong)

Keep up the good progress on getting well.

We need you back.

Cheers
Christopher, David and Lynne-Patricia Wilson

hey hugh.
i dont know you personaly, but i swim also and just was at division 2 recently. my dad is in antarctica and forwarded me this website, he thought maybe we had crossed paths…..prehapes we have. i started reading the comments your friends and family have left you but then relised that there is tooooooooooo many id be here for days reading them all. its great to know that you have so much suport. from what iv read in the updates of your progress it sounds like you are doing well. keep up the excellent progress and maybe one day when your all better we will cross paths. good luck

Hugh

Yuu probably have never heard of me so I should introduce myself. Tour Grandfather and I are very close cousins. We share the same birthday (20 May) and although 12 years and about 400 km separate us we keep in touch fairly regularly.

Trevor emailed me today to advise me of your dreadul accident. So it is with sincere hope that you regain your health in full very soon.

Best wishes and good luck

Peter

Hugh

You probably have never heard of me so I should introduce myself. Your Grandfather and I are very close cousins. We share the same birthday (20 May) and although 12 years and about 400 km separate us we keep in touch fairly regularly.

Trevor emailed me today to advise me of your dreadul accident. So it is with sincere hope that you regain your health in full very soon.

Best wishes and good luck

Peter

Hi hugh,
We went to golf 1st time since we all went to waikanae and ended up in the creek .Anyway we were crap ended up all square and shot 50.Hope all is on track c u later.

I have had a lot of visitors. Today the Capital Team came and saw me. That was cool !!! Thanks guys. Also Grant Campbell and his boys dropped by which was also nice.

Today I managed to scratch my I own nose with my own thumb. Yee haa! I wonder what will be next?

FANTASTIC Hugh,
You’ve got to ya nose!
I know what will have to be next!!!!
Kirsty

Hi Hugh

Sorry to hear about your accident.
We hear you’re a staunch fan.
But you’ve got a big challenge ahead.
So, you’re going to need all your courage, determination and spirit.
We wish you the very best of luck.

Grant Dalton & everyone at Emirates Team New Zealand

Huge,
i think i’ll get a pair of funky togs to swim in..i will break the one minute this week….maybe Christine can knit me a funky suit….notice Richard Mansel is running scared, he cant compete…..
.
i believe you went outside, awesome, we will see you in just over a week, is there anything you need bringing..

Hi Hugh, Adele, Bevan and Michelle,

Wonderful News!!
Hugh, next you will be pocking yourself in the eye.

I hope the Easter Bunny finds you all, and leaves BAD amounts of chocolate.

Keep up the good work Hugh.
Tara

Hey Hugh awesome about all your visitors!!!
Glad to hear that brother of mine has had a chance to come say hi
I’m wondering if these ‘mature swimmers’ (Paul that’s you) are going to get into true swimming spirit and shave down to reduce drag! haha!! May get Paul below that 1 min mark!
Again am so impressed by your leaps and bounds of improvement!!! Keep up all the hard work you’re doing so so well I can’t express it enough.

Later matey
Jo

Hugh,
Greeting from another aquatics family friends of Jim F in Orange California.
We are very glad to hear of your progress. Keep up the positive thoughts - they play a big part in your recovery.
Keep up the progress and keep laughing.
God Bless You.
Dennis, Jody & Cody Kemp

heard about ya tshit from the n.z team pretty cool hope ya getting on well all the best and i hope its all looking a bit better

Hi Hugh, hope the easter bunny found you ok,
happy Easter to you, Mum Dad and Michelle.
You are certainly a popular young man with support from around the world. Glad you have
your mirror, focus it on your self (not the nurses).
Seems like your limbs are getting the message you are sending to them. Keep it up.
Love from Pa and Nan

Hi Hugh

Great to hear of your recent progress. Keep it up!!! :-)))

We’re in training for the meet on 12 May (I (Ellie) can find my togs quicker than Steph can…trouble is, she’s still quicker in the water than I am

Thinking of you all
Ellie & Peter

Hugh
It was great to see you this week
Like everybody else we wanted to stay longer, but we know we were the lucky ones being in Christchurch and having the chance to catch up with you.
Keep those arms moving and you’ll soon be doing more thatn scrartching your nose
We only just got to the airport in time but we’re home without a hitch.
Just wanted to say keep up the good work, you’re doing great and we will keep checking the website for the next intallment
Did you ever get the ‘DUCK’ picture finished?
As I am an oldie I will ask Samanthat to have a look on BeBo and she can let me have a look.
Take care
Love to all
Christine

Hey the Campbells

Happy Easter - sorry it’s a bit late!!
Hope the Easter bunny was good to you all - pleased to know you can scratch your nose Hugh!! There’s plenty of scope for the next scratch!!

take care - love and hugs to you all
Enjoy your time together as a family. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Hugh, well what a week you’ve had sounds like it was pretty much like grand central station.

At mo there is a couple of pods of Orca whales out here at Kapiti, friends of mine were on jet skies yesterday and they were swimming right underneath how cool would that have been.

Happy easter to you and your family
Thinking of you all.
Donna and dayna

Even more feeling now! The nurses have found a pressure point in my arm that when they rub over causes my arm to spasm. This is funny and feels weird. I seem to be getting more control over my arm movements. However the range of moment has not changed much I am just stronger with what I have already got.

I can also push my stomach out when I am not breathing. I only managed to do this today! I asked the Dr if this was a different muscle that was controlling this movement and he said it was my diaphram (which has always been working).

The Nurses have also found some sexy glasses which allow me to see the end of my bed, around the room and visitors etc. They are prism glasses and look rrrrrreally cool! Not!!!

It was great to see all the swimmers last week. They brought a bit of normality back into my life. Thanks.

man huge ur got tons of friends including me no na i dnt like u just kids babe
luv u

Hi Hugh, Bevan, Adele and Michelle,

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Easter - really glad you’re back together again as a family. Good news about touching your nose and the feeling in your arm. It’s slow but steady - keep going Hugh!

Maria, Gregg, Adam and Matt Walker

Hi Hugh,

Although you don’t know me I did exactly the same thing at the AC Baths Taupo 21 years ago. Life continues as good as you are willing to make it. One word of advice is to question the doctors about any procedure they want to make, because they are happy to run your life for you. They catergorise quads not as individuals but as “whatever one quad gets they all get”. Please don’t be afraid to ask others in chairs what the real side effects could be, not only on your body but the rest of your life. Remenber it’s your body and sometimes we just go along with the flow and forget that we live with their decisions. Sorry to be so dour but I hope it is only a incomplete break at worst which means you will be rehabing in just a few weeks. GOOD LUCK

Cheers
PAT

hey the campbell clan,
happy easter from one that is recovering very slowly from choc overload.
great news about you scratching your nose (r u sure it was your nose).
small steps all add up ah!
i am desparately trying to remember jokes people tell me to pass on to you but i hav never been any good at retaining them,, but will keep trying…
hope the sun is shining and you get to see some of it… 10 minutes a day on your forehead they say..
love to all
janine

Hi Hugh, Bevan, Adele and Michelle
So pleased to read about your continued progress Hugh.
Best wishes for rehab.
Thinking of you all
Regina

Hi guys

It was really great to see you all in Christchurch this last week. I was out of the IT loop down there and have only just got to read all the comments updated since 2 April. Hugh, your blonde jokes are sooooo good. What does Mum say when you spout out these blonde truisms? I notice that they are fairly gender specific too. What about the blonde men?(I think that includes you Hugh). Perhaps Michelle can even the score a bit for the blonde women - nah, maybe not.
I was really impressed with the decorating of your room. Will work on getting you some more photos for your ceiling.
Sounds like after Watties visit on Sunday and their verbal revisiting of the Guy Fawkes night party, that a few of them decided to partake of another party that evening. Unfortunately, they didn’t have their mate Hugh there to keep them out of too much trouble. I’m sure you will get the story eventually but probably not on such a public forum as this site.
Enjoy having Dad and Michelle there for the holidays. I know you will be working really hard with that mirror and your toe.

Heather

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4020821a11.html

Cool Story for those who haven’t seen it.

I too had a great time visiting. Your room is really cool, and the staff there all seem as if they are very professional.

May will have me getting back, and I might be making somewhat regular visits…who knows.

Anyway, the remainder of the Bands got here, I’ve got an additional 2,000, so, don’t worry that we’ll run out!

I’m sending through some funny emails…can’t post those pictures here…

Keep up the good work, great news that you’re getting stronger. Soon enough, we’ll be back in the clubrooms working out…think ‘muscle-ups’…good times are ahead,
Jim

Hi Hugh

You don’t know us but on behalf of Tawa Swimming Club we would like to wish you a speedy recovery.
All the best

Alex and Annie

Hugh, I have a former collegiate swimmer that is going through the same trauma as you. Keep your spirits up and you are in my prayers, regards, Coach Ted Bresnahan Johns Hopkins University.

Get better. Swimmers all over the world feel your pain.

Hi, Hugh, this is James’ mum. I opened the Dom Post this morning and there was your big cheesy grin staring back at me! Which has urged me to make contact, something I’ve been meaning to do ever since James put me on to this site. Lots of people at the golf club have been asking after you. I had a whip-round in the bar the other weekend - amazing what you can get out of people after a few beers! They wanted to know how come they hadn’t seen you much. I told them you were too busy getting wet and I would loved to have ‘poached’ you from swimming to join our golf team but alas you were too dedicated. Got that mirror yet? The toenail painting sounds a good idea - go for a full manicure too! Keep it up Hugh. Love to you and your family.

Sheila Jennings

Hello Hugh,

Keep on with the positive thinking! You will come through this. I don’t know you, nor you me, I got your story from waterpoloplanet in the states. So hopeful about your progress. We are praying for you in Southern California!

Hi Hugh and family

I have hurt my knee so no golf for 2 weeks. Have just read all these messages. Great to see collectors in Waikanae the other day. Great to hear of the progress Hugh. It must be great to have all the family back together for the holidays. What a lot of greats in this message

Cheers

Maureen Creasy

Hugh,

We are from Northern California and we wish you the best in your recovery. You seem to have the right positive attitude which will get you far.

Here’s to swimming again!!!!
The Hughes Family

Hi Hugh-

You are being thought of all over the world. I heard about your story via waterpoloplanet and live in Southern California. You have such fantastic attitude, your story has touched many! We wish a speedy recovery!

Connie,George, Ian, Kaylee

Hugh

Had another swim today and still no progress. There was another Hugh Benefit swimmer in the lanes with me but he went a hell of alot faster than me. And he did proper training stuff with flippers and everything. This is going to be sooo bad. I actually meant to go yesterday as well but with a choice between building a fence and swim training I took the fence. Strike two!!!
Nice photo in the Dom this morning. I thought the thing on your head looked a bit like a hair band. Very pretty.
Watch out for Paul Norris - I see he has been dissing me on this blog.

Cheers

Richard M

Great story in the dom - read it via the link Jim gave - It’s great for us “out of towners and non Dom readers” to get a chance to see the articles. Your positive attitude will keep everyone upbeat - including yourself - you are inspiring to more people than you’d ever have guessed!
We are in TAupo at the mo - going home tomorrow - missed the usual Campbell visit - but looking forward to those visits again when you’re better and you pass through Taupo!
Love to all the whanau too - still in our thoughts constantly! Take care

Lots of love and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Hugh
I’m another person that you don’t personally know. However our daughter Apryl Burgess went to Waikanae School and our son Luke is there now. Your Dad is a great principal and your family is highly regarded in the community. I have heard amazing things about you and just want you to know that many many people that you have never met have you in their thoughts every day and send you much much love and the best wishes ever.

Hi Hugh, Bevan, Adel and Michelle
This is a fantastic way to keep up with Hughs progress. Joel really enjoyed catching up with you the other day, he has the dvds Hugh - but had some tests last week, so couldn’t bring them over - sorry. He’ll bring them when he’s back. Stay strong and positive Hugh, it sounds like you are making great progress. Hope to be in touch with you all soon.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Kirsty, Mark, Melissa, Joel and Ben

Dear Hugh - I was very sorry to learn of your accident.

As I learnt many years ago, while we don’t always have control over what takes place in our lives we DO have a lot of control over how we deal with what takes place. Keep up your great attitude. You are an inspiration and your approach will continue to make all the difference as you fight back.

All the best to you and your family,
Anthony Mosse

Hey Hugh how’s it going. I know you’ve probably missed our jokes so here’s another one

Caddy Advice

Standing on the tee of a relatively long par three, a confident golfer said to his caddy, “Looks like a four-wood and a putt to me.”

The caddy argued with him a bit and suggested that he instead play it safe and hit a four-iron then a wedge.
The golfer was insulted and proceeded to scream and yell at the caddy on the tee telling him that he was a better golfer than that and how dare the caddy under
estimate his game.

So, giving in, the caddy handed the gentleman the four-wood he had asked for. He proceeded to top the ball and watched as it rolled about fifteen yards off the front of the tee.

Immediately the caddy handed him his putter and said, “And now for one long putt…”

Sounds like my golf at the moment only without the Caddy!

Pleased to hear you’ve had so many visitors. Must seem quiet now. Nice for you and Mum to have Dad and Michelle back with you as well I would think.

Planning for your Benefit swim is going well. Lots of special things happening. Will be a huge night.

It’s great to see so many inspirational messages coming your way. There are many wise people in this world we just need to listen to them more.

Keep up with the progress

Everyone on El Modena High School’s polo teams (Jim F.’s old team) in California wishes you the best and are praying for a speedy recovery.

Hi Hugh,

What do you do when lightning comes over the golf course?

Hold a 2 iron above your head because the good Lord can’t hit one of them either.

All our love to you and don’t you dare give up this fight,

Gregg, Maria, matthew and Adam Walker

Hey dude this is one you’ve probably heard some of but always funi coz you SSOOOOO understand what they are on about!!

You know you’re a swimmer…

*With sense, when ur car reg is “Y 200 FLY”

*When you know you’re a backstroker when - visiting folks you point out cracks in the ceiling

*When you can work Excel - but only coz you use it to create PB charts!

*When you spend more time at the pool than at your house……….

*When you have permanent goggle marks and tog lines

*When you choose your car based on how big a swimming bag you can get in the boot - and how far the seats recline for a mid-competition naps

*When guys in speedos lose their attractiveness.

*When you start shaking you arms to relax your triceps.

*When you bulk buy swimsuits and goggles when you find them at a good price

*When the phrase 50 50’s on 50 makes sense!!

*When you spend 50% of their life 70% naked.

*When you see nothing wrong in saying : ” I’ll show you my breast, if you will show me your fly. ”

*When you go from point A to point A and work like hell to get there.

*When you can leave the wall in the middle of a sentence, come back to the wall, and pick up the conversation right where you left off.

*When you sweat chlorine even after showering.

*When your long term goal is to slap your bicep on your lat.

*When s friend asks how a certain guy dresses and you reply, “I only see him without his clothes on”.

*When your friends have stopped asking you about your plans for the evenings.

*Whenever you hear an electronic beep, you instinctively jump.

*When you get away with falling asleep in class by saying miss i’ve been training…again

And just had a thought, having this time out of the pool may SAVE YOUR HAIR!!!! haha

hi Hugh, michelle and family.
I just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery, and to say hang in there during the time you are still in traction. You were such a nice young man and I’m sure that you will do well and be a star when it comes to the hard work with your upcoming rehab. If there is anything I can do to help when you get home, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Best Wishes ,
Jean (Physio at TeamMedical)

hey hugh

it was awesome to see you last week!! and to hear your getting better too. im enjoying the break but i guess i’ll have to start training up for your meet soon!!

keep up the good work
sam =)

hey hugh
can you believe it… actually had the fire going thursday nite… very chilly but beautiful days… been visiting my whanau and see your photo on the manawhatu paper as well…becoming quite a celeb…theres hope for treasure island yet!
keep up the good work hugh and love to B, A and M.
j9

Hi Hugh, So good to hear of the small positive steps happening for you. You will of course have worked out for yourself that much of this is due to that wonderful competitive spirit and inner strength you have. I told your Dad that people somehow find strength they didn’t know they had, when it is needed. Do remember though, that once you are up and about, as your former teacher, you will be required in the Behaviour Management programme for this cock up.!! I am looking forward to the news that your headgear is off. The smile you had in the Dominion Post was so lovely. Keep smiling, darling.

i hope you get better soon and we all miss u at the swimming club

from dani barker

helo hughy
hwe r u doin
we r so glad that adele is back in waikanae but i supose u r missing her but its gd mr campbell is up there ae
all ma luv x0×0x

well when i heard about the news i was at school because we were doing curent avents and i felt so so so sorry for you i nearly started to cry

Hey Hugh,

We’ve never met, as far as I can remember. I swim for Mana, and just wanted to let you know that we were all so devestated to hear what had happened.

But just like anyone who’s been at a meet where you’ve been swimming, we know that fighting spirit that you’ve got (it’s pushed you to finishing ahead of our swimmers on many occasions :-P)

So yeah, we’re all thinking of you. Take care and stay strong!

Hi Hugh,

I just read about your story on waterpoloplanet. Your attitude is an inspiration to polo players everywhere hang in there! best wishes to you from Southern California.

vicky

Hi Hugh
Great to hear things are progressing slowly. Mum joined us for a Waikane Residents Association Meeting yesterday and we all raised a glass to your health. Kris was asking after you the other day. Keep up the spirits.
Regards
Jim

I am going to be getting an X Ray this Thursday to find out if my bones have healed properly. If they have I will be getting the weights off my head. Quickly followed by a shower, the first in six weeks. dad says I don’t even smell!!!

I will gradually be sat up over a few days until I can sit up vertically. Once I am able to do this I will be able to get into a wheel chair. At first this will only be half an hour a day. Gradually increasing over the days until I am in a chair for 4 hours per day. I expect this process to take 2-3 weeks.

I am really enjoying all the visitors even if it is a bit tiring. The emails, txts, blogs, cards and letters etc have all been great and have kept me busy. I need this as they make the days pass quickly. Thanks to all my friends out there. I never knew I had sooooo many!!!!

Hugh

Hay Hugh loved reading that last message of yours. Wishing you well for Thursdays xray. We’re all positive that you will have perfect results.
Take care you always in our thoughts.
Looking forward to Thursdays update.
Donna and Dayna

Hugh/Bevan
It was great to catch up with you over the week-end.
Hope you havent devoured the whole of that ‘Greedy Pig’ after all Michelle will need something to chomp on when she next visits

We’re sending our most powerful vibes across the chooppy waters, for the best news possible on Thursday, we eagerly await the next update.

Hugh, make sure you win that $50 bet, but don’t be too hard on the nurses they’re doing a great job.

Take Care, thinking of you always

Norris Clan

Fingers Xd for X ray on Thursday.

Best wishes

Chris

Hugh
Fantastic news that you soon may be ‘on the move’. Will be thinking of you Thursday.

Oh, and when it happens, don’t sit up too quickly or you’ll definitely be a dizzy blonde!
All the best Hugh

Sheila Jenings

Hi Hugh,
Ive been checking your progress daily. Quite addictive really. Im thrilled to bits that your mending. Were all thinking of you.
Im sending lots of positive vibes…
Keep at it.
Mandi

HI Hugh,
All the best for Thursday. Positive thoughts are going your way. Look forward to hearing the next update.
Go hard and keep up that gr8 progress!!
Angela and Paige Enoka

Hi Hugh,

It is wonderful to read that you are heading to the next stage of your recovery.
Wishing you all the best for Thursday.
You are an inspiration .
Tara

hi Hugh, Michelle, Adele, Bevan

I heard hugh is getting better every day hope to see you again real soon

From your friend Jason D

high big hands,
have you managed to throw that ball at your dad,
.
better get a bucket, im going to throw up……now is this mr cresote or is it somebody else…..
.
get a hair cut

still waiting for an eyebrow trim

Hey Hughy

Caught up with Mum last night which was great. Its also great to hear that you are so positive. Always in our thoughts

Henrietta

Yeah!!!!!

Tongs off today. The doctors are very happy as my spine is in good alignment so I will get out of traction around lunch time. Apparently this will feel a bit funny as I get use to the weightlessness.

I will be put into a hard collar neckbrace for sometime and then progress to a soft collar later.
The best thing will be a nice hot shower. Hopefully I will be able to have one of these on Sunday, if not it will be Monday.

Thats fantastic news well done!

Hi Hugh-so glad the tongs are off and you can enjoy a nice warm shower. You are an amazing young man with true character. You will enjoy being a little more upright once you have the chair sorted. Saves looking up everyone’s noses eh?

Kathy

Yea about the tongs coming off! does it feel strange. Hows life down in the lower island we are doing heaps of PT at the start of each training session and oddly Nick K seems to be getting the highest scores which is worrying but meh. Now the tongs are off what does that mean you can now do?

Hi guys

Great news about the head gear coming off. Enjoy the shower and a nurse scrubbing your back.

Heather

Well done Hugh

By saying you’ll feel a bit funny once your headgear is off, are they referring to the dizzy blonde syndrome perhaps!

Suppose you can stay in shower as long as you like - no water restrictions down there - Chris will be jealous.

Was nice to catchup with Adele the other night. She was telling us you’re coping really well, talk about a proud Mum.

Keep it up.

Hugh
Great news
Keep us updated.
Enjoy the shower, you’ll be able to get that haircut soon too!
Love to Mum and Dad

hey hugo thats awesome news!
so stoked for you that you can have a shower! great picture in the dom post the other day, you took up like half the page!
much love and hugs coming your way from the gibsons in matawai & wellington, lots of love also to bevan, adele and michelle.
ooo i nearly forgot, just wanted to say congrats… it seems your jokes have improved since you were a little tacker, you always loved a good joke but back in the day when you didn’t know any real ones you’d just make them up yourself! ahhh but everyone laughed anyway cos you were just so cute!

Wonderful news Hugh. You’re sounding more and more like a Cantab everyday - a real fighter and a true champion!

Go the Black Caps
Go the Hurric#oops Crusaders
GOOOOOOOOO HUGH!!!!

Hi Hugh what a great way to end the week by knowing that your spine is looking good. I bet this has seemed like an eternity for you, you are such an awesome guy. Hope that my kids grow up to be as amazing as you, your Mum and Dad must be sooooo proud.
I bet that showers gonna feel absolutely
AMAZING!!!!!!!

Hugh, the world is small. Keep meeting people who know you and are behind you in your fight to improve. Good friends of ours, Neil and Fiona Hirini, their daughter Leigh played hockey with Michelle and Neil is also a Principal, well, their niece Sian Moran is down there with you at the moment, as her friend Chris Lay also had an accident about the same time as you, and is fighting hard to get things back in order. Sian said she has met with you and you are an awesome guy so I hope she gets to meet up with your family as well, as they too are great people and it would be nice for her to build new friends while spending time away from home. Keep that chin up as it appears things are better each week.

Hi Hugh

I have just been on Bebo and caught up with the photos you have posted on there. Great to see your smile again. Also, a lovely photo of you and Dean.

Anyone who hasn’t been on bebo - you need to take a look at this site. http://www.hughbichair3.bebo.com to see Hugh holding in his fingers the weights that have been hanging off his head for the last 6 weeks.

If you have eaten all of that Easter egg it wont belong till that 8kg of weight is on your butt. Oh right ,I remember now, that is a girl thing, not a guy thing.

Was great to see Mum in Paraparaumu again last week. Glad you could share her with us for a while. I’m sure you are happy to have her back though and I’m sure those nurses have missed her input into running the ward.

Keep those photos and updates coming.

Heather

Whoops,
Just saw my comment came on as anonymous. Blame it on the wine. Mum will understand.

Heather

MonicaLee phentermine

Hi Hugh

Great news about losing the headgear!
It’s all progress and that’s fantastic.
Enjoy the shower, it’s those little things we take for granted and can actually mean so much.
You are often in our thoughts.

Best wishes
Lee family

By the way no relation to MonicaLee!

Sup Dawg!!!
i was jst looking on ur bebo and its GREAT to see a smile. it sounds like the puzzle is all coming together now. keep up the good work nd stay strong. of course u will bcoz ur a breast stroker and that what we do aye! yea boi!!! =) Breast stroke all the way lol!!!!
k check ya l8a!!!

Neat bout the shower bet that felt great. Dose this mean you can teach the whole walking thing to yourself in front of those mirrors or do you have to wait for more definate movemnet in your legs?

Hi Adele and Hugh - great news to hear that the bones have aligned well and it must be great to get that headgear off.
We sold our house yesterday and will be heading for our new section in glenorchy (near queenstown just in case you don’t know) about June 7 so hoping to call in and see you then.
Best wishes Kay & John

Hugh
Did you manage to get into the shower today, or is tomorrow the big day?
Can’t wait to see the photo of you with your clean, shiny golden locks glaring into the camera
Great to see the updated photos on bebo, you’re doing great, keep up the good work….yet to hear if you’ve thrown that ball at Mum or Dad yet!!!!
Speak soon, fingers crossed for another news packed week.
Norris’s

Hugh

I go away for a week and come back to this much progress. Good on you. I haven’t swum for a week so like most highly trained athletes I am feeling fat and lazy. Oh sorry thats my normal state. Only two weeks until I make my one and only public display in speedos. I blame you but every one else will blame me.

Keep smiling

Richard

Jim told me about this awesome website, and that you were part of the team I watched him training at WRAC earlier this year.
I read the story in the paper, and suddenly, there’s a life link with you that I didn’t know about.
It’s really tough when a moment’s fun turns into such a huge challenge to recover.
It sounds so promising that you can feel the doctor testing your feet.
All the keen competitive spirit and discipline you developed as a top competitor will be kicking in to become your source of strength as you recover.
Good luck with it!

Cheers,
Sue Luxford
Waterpolo and Flippaball Co-ordinator
Seatoun School.

hello friend. you have my mother for this week so i hope that she gets you heaps of fun stuff. i wrote you a letter but i happened to leave it beside my bed haha i know a fat load of use! i watched borat the other day it was mean and dads parents loved it haha i found that rather funny as they are old! i have a joke but i hace to keep it in the middle of this paragraph as i dont want any one to be offended. well any way these two asins had this albino child so yah more to the point it was white. this just goes to show that to wongs can make a wite haha. tami and i are just at school planning a birthday prezzie but it has to be cheep i mean we are from matawai ha oh and te karaka ha. so what do you want. haha did you know 3 out four people make up 75 percent of the population. oh and did you know that if there was no power we would have to watch tv with the lights out haha. well im off to cause havic and i applolgise for not beboing or commenting you during the holidays haha matawai internet is a wee bit slower than school. i would really like to intruduce my olds the the 21st century haha but they are getting there. oh remember the days at rotoiti when we used to try and sleep and out parents played 500 hundred and drunk way to much gin, oh man i feel sorry for my father, us making him get up to take us skiing at like 6 in the morn. man i hated it when you left us ha no more jokes. ha you should catagorise these comments as im finding trends of how much your parents drink, how many jokes you tell, jokes and also other haha! well i have finnished my green tea and for some strange reason i feel like a little kip. keep going hugh, we are sending our love x binz williams

So did ya have that shower? I hope you don’t go and do anything silly like, have your hair cut. I mean take the opportunity to grow it long while you can coz it won’t stay that way once you’re back in training will it!

Kids are back at school and have another holiday tomorrow, hardly seemed worthwhile them going back. Do you get the usual holidays from schoolwork when you’re down there?

Just know you’ve probably been waiting for another of our somewhat funny jokes, so here it is.
——————————————————————————-

Surgery!

A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop.
The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage “Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?”

The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and said, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any
damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.

So how come I make $39,675 a year, a pretty small salary and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?”

The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic…

“Try doing it with the engine running.”

A little like one of the other jokes I know.

SHOWER!!!!!!! SITTING UP IN BED!!!!!!!!! 0 minutes ago

Had my first shower yesterday. It was bloody awesome!!!! Since that I now have a soft collar on which is so much more comfortable. They have also allowed me to start sitting up in my bed. I’m at a 30 degree angle at the moment but I will gradually get higher.To sit up I do need the hard collar though which is a bit annoying but hey, once I’m fully up I can get into a wheelchair!!! That will be brilliant. I will be going to the gym today to work on my biceps as they are so strong:l
Did you know 3 out four people make up 75 percent of the population. Oh and did you know that if there was no power we would have to watch tv with the lights out?(Thanks Belinda)
New pictures on my bebo now with me in my sexy prism glasses and others.
Thanks for all the support. It’s been a lot easier with it all
PS. I start school TODAY.

Im thrilled for you you Hugh. Keep at it matey.
Well done!
Mandi

you posted at 1:44 p.m. yet we are reading this at 1:35p.m. on the same day, interesting, no?

Hey Hugh
Good to hear that you have finally hit the water so to speak. Keep those milestone tumbling and heaps of postive thoughts.

Henrietta

Hi Hugh,
Good stuff about shower , just watched black caps get a hiding ,bummer. Anyway u r progressing well thats great keep it goin.

Hey Hugh!

Great to hear about all your progress, it must have been awsome to have a shower! It was really good to see you a couple of weeks ago you were amazingly positive and strong! At your benefit meet in a couple of weeks Im swimming in the invitational 200br in your honour so I better get back into the training ay!
Stay strong and all the best, we are all thinking of you!!

Nadia =)

Thanks again to all of you for your comments and support. It makes everything a lot easier for me.

Thrifty Cars you are amazing for giving us the car for another month. You are amazing.
If any of you need a rental please support Thrifty Cars as they are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Hugh

It is truly fantastic news to hear so many positive comments. Keep smiling and know how many people back on the Kapiti Coast are rooting for you. Look forward to hearing more news. I know all the swimmers can’t wait to have you back.

Be strong

McDonald Family

Hey Hugh,
Going to be down on Saturday to referee 2 games @ QE2 pool, looking forward to checking in briefly…I’m flying down, refereeing and then flying back…should be able to splice in an hour or two to hang out…

Very glad that you’re progressing. Back to the weights…well, that is where you belong!

See you soon,
Jim

Hugh
You’re the awesome one
You keep posting those positive notes for us all to read.

Enjoy the schoolwork, I’m sure you’ve missed it.

Take care
Love to Mum

Norris’s

Hi Hugh

Glad things are progressing. We are all thinking of you daily and we read the website daily too!

Luv to mum.

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke

Can the random drug people please STOP sending me this junk as it is ruining this site.

Hopefully getting into a wheelchair today. Should be fun!!I’ve been warned about dizziness nausea and the possibility of fainting and going green. But heh it’s all progress and I’m looking forward to it.

Good luck with the wheelchair!! That’s awesome news - here’s hoping you don’t get too green and wobbly - but as you say - it’s progress! Better than flat out on your back huh!
Love to both you and Mum down there in Chch - best of luck for a successful transition to wheels!

Love and hugs
Linda and co xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Got up into clothes yesterday and into a wheelchair.Didn’t feel too bad only slightly dizzy.
Had a ride up to x-ray where they took off the neck brace and took an x-ray to see if my neck was supporting my head properly.I’ll get those results back today.

ONCE AGAIN CAN THE RANDOMS PLEASE STOP POSTING COMMENTS.

Hey Paul
Can you make it so that you can’t have a web site which would mean the randoms don’t come on?
They are using it as advertising!

DON’T CLICK ON THEIR NAMES. THEY CAN GO TO DIRTY SITES.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey,
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Yes, Spam sucks, and those messages are computer generated crap. I am moderator on a message board…constant work cleaning that one…

On the other hand, you’re so popular the spammers are using your site….so, there is that

Later,
Jim

Hi Hugh

Don’t worry about the spammers we ignore them anyway and only look at the important stuff (stuff about you)

Chris broke his little toe (can’t do much but wait for it to mend) on Wed but doesn’t dare moan too much. He’s only too well aware some people would love to be able to feel the pain when they bump their broken toe (am I being too tough on him!). Actually apart from a couple of moans he’s soldiering on.

On to better things. You in a Wheelchair - what sort of tyres do you have on it road, crosscountry or, I know, racing slicks, ha ha!

Best news I’ve had all week. Good luck with the results.

Jill

Great progress Hugh, so glad to hear.
Hope you get all the best news for your birthday pressy.
Happy Birthday for sunday.
All the Best Donna Dayna and rest of Lawton family.

Hey forgot to say you can buy a pair of those sexy looking prism glasses at the Kodak shop in Coastlands. Really, I’m not kidding. Went in there and there they were sitting on a shelf. Thought I might get some then I could read lying down in bed instead of sitting up which always stuffs my back and no it’s not because I’m old like the kids say. Are they easy to use?

Jill

Hi Hugh

Many happies for your birthday on Sunday - man those randoms get on your wick huh!
Sorry your parcel won’t get to you in time but will be there early next week - we’ll be thinkin of you of course - wearing the wristband is great as it’s a constant reminder to send great thoughts your way. Love and hugs to you all. xoxoxox

might have got it sorted now, Norrcom are here to serve, let me know if you need lessons on webpages or eyebrows?

Hey Hugh

I havn’t left a message for ages sorry about that i just been doing the sound for the Major Production so i was at school through the holidays what sucked but hey it was fun. the last show is tonight, if you want i have all the recordings for both casts (so you can laugh at your sister acting if you want) so when they get put onto DVD i can send you a copy of it with Michelle that will give you some entertainment for awhile. good to hear you can feel pain.
I’ll try to email you a bit more of the next while,
anyway i get to go watch last nights MP on tape for the next couple of hours, YAY :/
laters Zarn

sup G lol well it soundz lyk its all coming together. thats gr8! i duno hw im gona survive at the swim meet. i died in a 50breast at ma skool champs. wen ur in a wheel chair practise sum stunts to show off k!!! check ya l8a dude!!!

hugh
its ur burfday! YAY
have a good day boi an we will all be thinking of you at this silly relay meet today!
Well hope u get heaps and heaps of great presents.

Cya m8 an stay strong

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HUGH
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HUGH
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HUGHY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HUGH

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY

LUV SAM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGH!!!!!!!
HAVE A REALLY COOL AS DAY.
FROM DAYNA

does this mean your old enough to loads of new things……beer is on way…Nurse…?
ho ho ho happy birthday old man…

happy birthday hugh
truly a beautiful day up here today, do you get to go outiside in your chair, would be good to get some rays on you…
went and saw the pram college production on thursday nite and saw your delightful sister performing ….a very difficult role as a “blonde”!she was of course brilliant and told her so afterwards.it was great to see so many talented waikanae school kids in it…
keep the updates and photo’s coming … perhaps you could have some matching mittens made!!
luv janine

HAPPPPPPPPPPPPPY B-DAY hughy hope u hav a gr8 day thinkin of u 2day wen wer swimmin r relays.
Chris

Hugh
Hope you’re have an awesome day
Something special for dinner? could send Mum out to the foodcourt!
Happy Birthday
Christine

Happy Birthday Hugh.

A year ago today you proably didn’t expect to spend your birthday in hospital but then sometimes life sucks.

Anyway I hope they are treating you extra special today. More than ususal that is coz..

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Hugh, Happy Birthday to you.

Bet no one has sung Happy Birthday to you in an email before. Yeh we’re a first, maybe a good omen for the swim meet tonight!

Enjoy your day

The Roberts Family

Bugger just saw Sam’s song. Wasn’t the original though!

Roberts family

Hi Hugh,
You popped into my head today for some reason so thought I’d check out the website to see how you are getting on. I see its your Birthday, so Happy Birthday. I hope that positive spirit of yours is penetrating the physical body as well.
I pray you’ll be back on your feet soo.
Best wishes,
Amanda Morrall
(from The Press)

Hey Hugh,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Hope you had a great day!

Nadia

Hugh
Hope the phone call didn’t wake up the whole of Burwood.
We won - both trophies :-)….we’ll send you a photo.
Hope you enjoyed your birthday.

C Ya!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hugh
& best wishes.

Great progress, keep them coming, they are all milestones!

Cheers
Lee family

Happy Birthday Hugh for yesterday - sorry it’s a bit late but all my friends will tell you they don’t call me the ‘late Maria’ or Ms Last Minute for nothing!

Dad said you had a really good day - they obviously all made a fuss of you.

Give our best wishes to your Mum. HAven’t got time for a joke today - am due back at the school office.

Maria and co

Hi there

Happy Birthday Hugh for yesterday. I am coming to Chch this weekend, so if anyone wants anything taken down (birthday presents, food etc etc) please let me know via Capital Swim Club.

Talking about nausea, fainting and dizziness. Last week I came home and opened the door to the MOST REVOLTING smell of dead RAT. I was in the garden dry reaching, while Ken was inside laughing.
It must have been a sight, me walking around the house continually spraying perfum and wearing a mask, and shouting it’s NOT funny, I’m going to be sick!!!!
The pest control guy couldn’t find the rat. I think we’ll have a dried rat in our walls.
I very quickly organised (2 hours) a trip away. Kids in the car and I put kms between me and the rat in on time.
Unfortuately, Ciaran informed everyone we met that , “we had a stinkly rat house.”
At heart i’m a city girl and country living sometimes isn’t great.

I haven’t been on the net for a while and am delight to see you have progressed to a wheelchair.
YIPPIE
Happy Birthday for yesterday. I hope you had a fabulous day, and got HEAPS of present .

Keep up the good work.
Tara

Happy Birthday (for yesterday)

Here is a joke to brighten up your day!!!

There was a bird called Enza.
Someone opened a window,
And in-flew-Enza!!!

Brenda and Michael Woods
Hamilton Swimming Club

Hugh
Only a couple of weeks to go till my night of great shame. I talked to Paul Norris the other night and we agreed that we should get “I’m tapering for Hugh” t-shirts. My breaststroke is so slow that I think I will ditch it and concentrate on the free. I can’t seem to get my kick to achieve any forward motion. In fact I would swear it actually drags me backwards. Any hints? We had a great night at the relay meet on Sunday. There were heaps of new young kids swimming which is a good sign.

Have a great day

Richard

PS loved the stinky rat house story.

Happy birthday sorry i am late i am very busy person. Do you want celebrate your walcolme home party ask your mum or dad where do you put the spare key for your house we all gonna give you celebrate your birthday and welcome party just for you if you wanted to. Just Paraparaumu College Students so you we love you very much.
my cellphone number is 0275626002 or my home number is 64 04 905 2887 just call anytime in the day or a night time.

Thanks to everyone for all the birthday comments etc.
I had KFC for dinner and a beer (ginger) and Ronald McDonald House gave me a delicious, devine chocolate cake.I was able to get up into a chair and wheel around offering my cake to the other patients and staff as there was too much for me!
My year 9 form class sent me a birthday cake and a video happy birthday song of them singing which was really cool.
Thanks everyone for thinking of me.

My x rays, unfortunately showed that without a neck brace my neck is still unstable so therefore I have to have an operation to stabilise between vertabrae 3 & 4. If I’d had the operation straight away they would have had to fuse vertebrae 3,4 5 & 6, so it was worth being in traction for six weeks. I don’t yet know when I will have this operation as I have to wait for my bones to harden. At the moment my bones are too soft.
I will have to wear a neck brace called an Aspen. I haven’t seen it yet but I think it’s one with a vest attached, which will give me more stability.
I have moved rooms so I am in a room with another guy named Ben.
I got weighed today while I was in the hoist and found that I have lost about 16kg.This is normal though.Apparantly to start with you spend your whole time trying to put on weight and then later on you spend your whole time trying to take it off!!
Mum had to take down all my cards and pictures which was a real mission. We only have my birthday cards and a few pictures now as I will probably move again into a room with three guys.This is good as it means I am on the road to recovery and on the way out the door.

Kirsten, My Dad is coming down anyway this weekend so he can bring stuff down. Thanks anyway.
It’s getting closer to the swim meet but you don’t need to taper yet!!!! No more excuses.

Question: Why is a boxing ring square?
If flying is safe why do you call
it a terminal?
Why is it called a building if it’s
already built?

Hugh - hang in there and remained focused, your positive attitude and thoughts will bring around your wish! I know that I will see you in the Olympics and you will be triumphant!

In answer to your boxing ring question :

In the early days of professional fist fighting, groups of fighters would travel from town to town challenging the local
men. The fighters would arrange a few of the spectators in a circle and have them hold a ring of rope. Any man
wishing to challenge one of the boxers would “toss his hat into the ring.” The bout would then take place in this early
boxing “ring.”

As the number of spectators increased, the hand-held ring no longer sufficed, and it became necessary to fashion an
enclosure by attaching ropes to stakes driven into the ground. Four stakes were normally used, which produced a
square enclosure, but it continued to be called a boxing ring.

Hi ya HP,
Oh I left at the right time didn’t I all those cards to get down and shift! you could have wallpapered a decent room with all those cards. Just about to go to bebo to I want to show Ken the choc painting. Heres a good country bumpkin joke.
An accountant, a lawyer and a sheperd were standing side by side using the urinal.
The account. finished, zipped up & started washing, literally scrubbing his hands……. clear up to his elbows…. he used about 20 towels before he had finished.
he turned to the other men and said. I graduated from Auckland Uni and they taught us to be clean.
The lawyer finished up & quickly wet the tips of his fingers, grabbed one paper towel & commented, I graduated from Vic Uni and they taught us to be enviromentally conscious.
The shepherd zipped up & as he was walking out the door said, I graduated from Taihape and they taught us not to piss on our hands!

Hi Hughy
Thought it was time to up-date you on the state of the Waikanae School swim team……….

enough said!
Although I should add that Paul, aka Mr Forster, has just returned from a reconditioning trip to the USA where he managed to RUN UP the Grand Canyon!
Those of us who missed out on joining a reconditioning programme are battling along. Room 14, 15, and 16 have just finished marking their writing samples- a lesson in endurance which should come in handy on the 12th
Tara – rat catcher extraordinaire, could well be a surprise entry /motivator on the night. Just the incentive we need to get from A to B in under 5 minutes!

You are making great progress Hughy. We are all so very proud of you.

WSST

Richard,
i have a plan, jump in dont dive, now im sure the rules dont say anything about swimming backwards, borrow hugh’s mirror glass’s. flap your hands and swim breaststroke…the down side of this is you will be watching everybody finish before you turn…

Hi Hugh,
We don’t know each other, but I’m an ex-swimmer who found out today what happened to you through the grapevine. Just wanted to wish you all the best of luck in your recovery. Its pretty clear from all the messages that you’re keeping positive and that you’ve got a great support network. Good luck mate, all the best.

Dear Hugh

You might not remember me but I remember you at Div 2, Invercargill 2003 where you stole a few breaststroke medals from my mate Mitchell Woodman at =P.
Anyway, I’m sorry for what happened and (along with my mates from HPK swimming club) want to wish you all the best for the future.
By the way, words can’t say how much respect I have for your positive attitude, keep it up!

Hi Hugh,
My name’s Tineke. I’m a friends with your mum and dad. You might know my boys from school, Joshua and Ethan. I’m on the update list and I had a look at your photos. I think darker, longer hair suits you. I can’t believe how quickly you got into you chair and are moving about. I’m guessing your days are getting busier and busier. I’m heading down to Christchurch towards the end of May so I’ll pop in and see if I can drag mum away for a latte. I’ll see if I can come up with some (cleanish)jokes to send you. Keep smiling…..

Hi Hugh

Are you saying you are in need of more pictures? If so, Brooke is at the ready to draw you some more!!!

Great to see the article in the Kapiti News yesterday about your progress and the swim meet coming up. Good picture of you too.

Keep fighting Hugh and Adele a big hug to you and Hugh from us all.

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke

Hey Hugh. If all the students in my classes were as positive as you then teaching would be easier. You’re an inspiration – don’t change. I am coming to ChCh this weekend to swim in the Masters and hope to drop in to see you. Jim has us using bungees at the moment and I don’t see why you should miss out. How about I tie one to your chair and you see how far down the ward you can get…………That’ll help pile back on the 16kg Got a few DVD’s for you to watch too.

Richard Swallow
MASTERTON MASTERS

Hi Hugh

Had a talk with Dad yesterday and he explained to me about your lovely furry boots that I was coveting. The experts are pretty clever aren’t the, in finding ways to make you as comfortable as possible but still providing your body with the necessary aids to keep you healthy.
Entries are beginning to come in for your meet now - looks like it will be a busy and interesting/amusing night. Especially for the likes of me protected by a laptop.
Hope that having a ‘roomie’ is working out and that you guys get to discuss your ‘virtual’ picks together.
Catch you again soon

Heather

So hugh, you know that you are a swimmer when you car reg is Y 200 FLY.
Mine is and I am. I was the 1,000,000th customer to order a personalised number plate in the UK. So unlike you being one in a million, I was the millionth.
So grateful to see that I made it on your site - albeit by default.

Hugh, forgot to add that this was commented on the 13th April 07 at 10:21 by Joanna Newall - thanks.

HI HP
Heres good reason to be nice to the nurses.
What makes 100% ?what does it mean to give more than 100%? Ever wondered about those people who say they are giving more than 100%. How about achieving 103% What makes up 100% in life?. Heres a little maths formula that might help you answer these questions.
If ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ is represented as:
123456789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11=98% and K_N_O_W_L_E_D_G_E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5=96%

(and to carry on!)
You can work out the % of A_T_T_I_T_U_D_E
B_U_L_L_S_H_I_T & A_S_S_K_I_S_S_I_N_G (because it would take me forever to type out and it will give your brain some work!)

The conclusion of this excercise is with mathmatical certainty, that while hard work and kowledge will get you close, and attitude will get you there, its bullshit and ass-kissing that will put you over the top!

Hugh
Great to see articles in both papers this week here on the Kapiti Coast.
Keep up the good work you’re doing real great

Of course the hard work is all at our end this time next week, Naenae don’t know what’s about to hit them!

Keep us up to date with all the news its great hearing from you.

Take care
Thinking of you

Norris’s

Great to hear your coming back for a bit cant wait to see you. Have a good day:)

From Sam

aaaah im so unfit dont know how im guna swim at ur professional swim meet (go the seating plan) haha. hope ur all sweet budy. i gota tattoo just fyi haha luk 4wd to c ing ya wen i can sorry i dont use bebo lol have a good day its pretty poo weatha in wgtn and im sposed to be doing a essay for uni but i guess your more important than my education laters
Jason

Hugh, you don’t know us but we have been following your progress and are travelling to the meet at Naenae this weekend. You certainly are an amazing person with a lot of courage. We are looking forward Saturday and seeing the results of the ‘trainings’ we have been reading about!! All the best - you inspire us daily.

Great to see that you’re up and about and able to come home for a few days

Hey huge sounds like you’re coming along nicely, well done. Im probably about due for another visit now it’s quieted down from all of those rowdy swimmers popping in and out ay!
I’ll try come in this week, this time you’ll be able to see my face as you’re now sitting up, that’s exciting you’ll be able to see if you wanted that kiss your granddad requested for you!!!!!!!!
Catch you soon

Hayley

hey hugh
sorry i won’t be able to make the met on saturday (a great loss i now) my little sis is turning 40! and all the sisters are desending on palmerton north. but i am sure the met will be a great success anyway even with out u and i…ha ha. speakin of 40 rumour has it tara doyle turned 40 on sunday… happy birthday tara!!!
hugh keep up the good work and love to mum

Went to the gym yesterday in my wheelchair this time which was a first.Did some shoulder and bicep exercises.I’m allowed up for two lots of 3 hours in my wheelchair today.I’ve got my goal setting meeting this afternoon.This is where I meet with my doctors,nurses,physio,occupational therapist and social worker to discuss my goals for the future.One of my goals is to come back to school for a day or two in August at the same time as the ball and go to the ball.My doctors said this is an achievable goal as it is a couple of months away. So here’s hoping!

Wow - great to hear you have so many people dedicated to getting you to your goal! I imagine any goal you set would be achievable with you behind it!It’d be great to hear that you’ve made it to the ball - you may not be the “belle of the ball” but should easily take out the title of most loved! Prom King???or whatever they call it these days.
Hope the improvements keep happening - love to all xxxxxxxx keep smiling!

I remember being told in the past by other more seasoned swimming parents (your mum included), that there was more to swimming than just swimming. I’ve come to appreciate that this year with Chris entering the Yr 10 - 14 yr old faze of his life. The focus, determination and goal setting required to a committed swimmer, can set you up for life.

I can see those skills you’ve learned along the way are going to see you through this.

Well done, keep setting and achieving those goals and you’ll be back with us in no time.

Take care

Hi there Hugh

Was really great to meet up with you and your parents on the weekend. After my weekend exploits, I now have a week off swimming - am not sure what to do with myself which is why I am here at work surfing the net (and its only Tuesday…) Perhaps I can sneak back into the pool on Thursday morning. Well hell I have a good excuse as I have to race on Saturday night dont I!
Anyway, I have a report to write so had better get back to it. Take care, and maybe we will see you when I am down for the distance camp in two weeks. (If Clive Power lets us out of the pool at any stage)

Kirsten

GO all those swimmers and sinker out there.
I hope all the screamers and shouter at the side of the pool have been practising their wails as well.
Paul , I would love to see you throw yourself in the pool backwards, flapping your arms while on your back, attemping breaststroke wearing a mirror- what would the togs look like.????

Hugh, attending your school ball is a great goal. August is not a long way off, you’ll be home in no time at all. Everyone will be so excited for you.

Oscar Wilde said it was one of the rudest questions, to ask a woman her age and it was her perogative to LIE about it. Janine has destroyed that for me!!, it doesnt matter as I will continue tell people i am 45 and I get the response i m absolutely delight to hear, “wow, you look fab for 45, how do you do it?”

Tara

Hi Hugh well what progress you are making. School ball here you come.

Only four more sleeps till race night, O my god what have i done!!!! The last time I raced was at Nayland College at interschools which was a couple of years ago now. I remember one race diving in and thinking I was doing really well only to find that I should have been doing breaststroke not freestyle.
It was Daynas birthday today she is glad to be finally 12, we got her an electric guitar it is very loud. I’m sure with earmuffs and a few boxes of Panadol we will be fine.
Keep up the great determination you are doing so well.

Hi Hugh

Glad that you are aiming to come to school for a few days in August and attend the ball. I know of a number of students who would like to attend the ball but definately don’t want to be at school!!

We are all looking forward to seeing you come onto the school grounds with that big smile on your face!

Keep up the exercise mentally as well as physically.

August is not far away!

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke

Hi HP’
Now what is with the change of background at your blog site! I thought your mother and I steared you quite well last time and now I can’t read the black on the orange! And whats with the dragons, fluffy pink stars would have been so much better!
Paddy the Irishman was in a fire and died, he was pretty badly burnt so the mortician sent for his two friends to identify him. Seamus went in and the mortician pulled back the sheet . Seamus said “yep he’s burnt pretty bad. Roll him over.”
So the mortician did as he was asked and Seamus looked,” it aint Paddy”, The mortician thought this pretty strange and brought Sean in to identify the body.
Sean looked at him annd said” Yup he’s burnt roll him over.” The mortician rolled him over and said “no it aint paddy.” The mortician said “how can you tell?”
Sean said “Well Paddy had two arsholes.”" What he had two arseholes????? “said the mortician.
“Yup everyone knew he had two arseholes. Everytime we went into town , folks would say . Here comes Paddy with them two arseholes……”
Do have a great day and I hope mum is a good driver of that wheel chair, with her sense of direction you may end up in all sorts of places!!

Good point, has Mum managed to get you lost yet? At least you’ll get a good look around and around and around, how many times around the roundabout until Mum decides which exit to take!!!!
Hugh,great to hear you’re spending more time out of the horizontal and back working out; hope the gym work is proving helpful.
There will definately be a long list of well wishes waiting to see that ear to ear grin on your return, even if it is only for a short while, I’m sure with your attitude it won’t be long before you’re back home for good

Everybody is looking forward to a great night Saturday, the vibes from Naenae Pool will be so strong who knows what effect it will have on the airwaves…..

Thinking of you as ever….have a great day
Norris’s

I had another assessment yesterday which was a repeat of the one I had when I first arrived here. 7 weeks ago I couldn’t feel pin pricks below my neck. Now however, I can feel pin pricks in quite a few places which is a really good sign apparently because the pin prick site in the spinal cord is very close to the movement site.
I can also feel pin pricks on the lowest level of my spine (the butt!) which is also a really good sign as that means the messages are able to get from the lowest level through the injury site to the brain!!
This means I now have more of a chance of regaining more movement because I can feel pin pricks.
I now also have a flicker of wrist extension which is awesome as it means I have more chance of picking up objects in the future. I will get wired up to the mains tomorrow and the physios will pass an electric current through my wrist extensor muscles to make them contract and relax. This is basically exercising them from the inside.
Anyway I hope to see many of you on the screen at the swim meet on Saturday. Thank you all so much for your amazing support. You are all awesome!!!!!

hey hugh, just checked and read your lastest news WOW!! fantastic news!!! seems like your progress is just getting quicker and more amazing as time goes by…
i have maia here staying for a few days and we just wanted to say hi!!! and look forward to hearing more news and maybe seeing u in august.

Hi Hugh

Awesome news about your latest assessment, we are all thrilled for you. They say recovery is 80% mental attitude, so you will be just fine.

Everyone excited about the meet on Saturday, the word is due to HUGE amount of entries we could be there until midnight!

Take care
Lee family

Hey Hugh,
I told the amount of vibes coming across the airwaves to Christchurch would be HUG’H'E, great to hear the lastest update, you never cease to amaze us

Here’s hoping for the next milestone; at the rate you’re reaching new goals, you’ll not have time to tell anybody them before they’ve happened…
Way to go Hugh!

Take care, love to Mum
Norris’s

Hi HP,
Well, there we are! their is hope in this world, even if you are a prick! and as small as a pin.
I”m sorry I just couldn’t resist that one!
Well done sending us that news soooooooo great to hear.

HP ,I am impressed have just been on the blog and do like the wallpaper!!!!! Great for the oldies eyes just need the pink stars now. although this was mums favourite and she has fine taste, she’s my friend!

That is huge news Hugh. I have heard the saying a little prick can go a long way, maybe it is true! Just make sure they stick to the little pins rather than the big ones, you might get more feeling back than you bargained for!

Speaking of wrist exercise, have spent all night numbering and stapling your raffle tickets. There’ll be two raffles, 1,000 tickets in each that’s 4,000 presses of the numbering machine and 4,000 staples. Luckily a friend’s coming round tomorrow to help. I’m sure I’ll dream about numbers tonight or the damned numbering machine.

Tell all your friends the raffles will be launched on Saturday night and will be sold around PPM as well until the 9th of June but if they’re at the swim meet, they need to bring lots of money coz there’s going to be food and raffles and other stuff to spend it on.

Only 2 more sleeps to go and it’s all on.

See ya Saturday!

Jill

So cool to hear the latest news H.! And all the best for the op coming up.. you’ll be fine. theres a powerful lot of good vibes coming your way from all over! Love to you all from the Gibsons.

This coming all the way from England, in the small town of Solihull (just below birmingham). Noone likes to hear that stuff like that happened. All the best to you on your road to recovery. And remember, when your back in the pool, waterpolo is far better than swimming!

Hi Hugh,
It’s great to hear all the improvments
We are all ready for the meet tonight even dad’s got his togs ready i won’t tell you what he looks like!!!!!!Can’t wait for the meet. And i can’t wait to see you later on in the year:)

From Sam

hey mate
wicked to hear about all the improvments dont let them turn you into Frankenstin with the mains .Swimming tonight I’d say 6 hours that ill be fun Im positive Im sure there will be some great swimmers eg mike paul etc keep up the good work all the best jake

Hi Hugh, Michelle, Adele and Bevan,

It is wonderful to read about your improvements Hugh. You have a great attitude.

Bevan and Michelle have a great day/evening at the pool. I am very disappointed that I can not be there. Mum’s 70th b’day party tonight. My niece Carina from Waves in Dunedin will be throwing herself in the pool for me.

I am lookink forward to reading about the successess(i never know how many sss and ccc) of the evening. Hugh, I am sure you will be starring in the local papers next week.
Tara

Sup boi!
its great to hear the improvements. tonight should be quite a laugh, well considering some of the romours that iv herd lol
although old men in speedos is NO LAUGHING MATTER!

Woops sorry. so i hope u get better coz every 1 is dieing ta see u dawg!
right iv gota go taper 4 the meet tonight. cyaz

Awesome night Hugh. Hope you had good reception down there and had some good laughs as well.

Boy some of those so called older swimmers did some pretty amazing times.

Was lots of fun to do, even if I’m so sore and stiff I can hardly move!! Combination of lots of stairs and being on my feet for so long! Too old for this me thinks.

The celebrities there were the best. I reckon if Jeetan Patel and Kevin Milne need another occupation, they could sell fridges to eskimos. They shifted a heak of a lot of raffle tickets for us.

Hope you both enjoyed the show.

Take Care

Jill

Hey Hugh,

I feel that I need to put a message here telling you that your meet last night was the awesomest thing ever It was so much fun, I hope you enjoyed watching it!

It’s great to hear that your health is continuing to improve

Take care!

Phew thank god that wasnt nationals or i woulda been shot! u knw i was only cough cough lyk 15 secs off ma 200 br!!!!!!!! Every1 had an awsum nyt! even the capital boys watchin georgia nd juliette have their fight!!! check ya later dude!

Awesome meet. It looked a lot of fun. Thanks so much to you all. You are all incredible people.
The meet will be on TV one Monday night at approximately 6.30 as part of the sports news.
It was supposed to be on tonight but they wanted more air time and so opted for a less busy night.

Dude,
that was one awesone meet, i think everybody from your dad who nearly drown, to kevin who made it, to john clark who got the fastest time of the meet for 50 fly. The one moment that blew the meet awa for me was a 5 year old girl and her parents so excited as this was her first ever meet, she started swimming at the Hugh Campbell benefit meet.
.
Another thing that was obvious was the fun atmosphere, it was a late night but everybody was buzzing, maybe there should be a meet like that every year?
.
Its not as though it was all fun. lots of kids got great PB’s
.
All in all it was brilliant, everybody from Henrietta to that little five year old walked away happy and it was down to your animal charisma…
.
all the best and thanks to everybody…pictures to folllow

Hi Hugh,

Sorry to hear about your accident.
Sounds like you have a really positive attitude and are making good progress!
I broke my neck a year and a half ago, after diving into a river in Australia,and have learnt that attitude is everything!
I’m heading down to burwood next Monday, so i’ll look forward to catching up with you.

Life rolls on…..Gav

Hi Hugh

Hope you enjoyed watching the meet on Saturday. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to watch it via link. I understand that Mum had a bit of ‘red tape’ to deal with down there that may have been a challenge. Just as well she can wind most people around her tiny finger.
I’ve heard that Michelle got her eye in the way of a hockey ball on Sunday - are you guys buying shares in the hospital or something???

I look forward to catching up on the story tonight on the news. Take care and keep that hard work going in the gym.

Heather

Hi Hugh & Family, Unfortunately I missed the great Benefit Meet as I had a family commitment down South but I believe from listening to John and Chris who was IOT-ing that it was just fantastic. Wonderful people who turned up for the meet, a mixture of all sorts. What a terrific extended family you have Hugh the emails say it all really. Your gift of laughter and ongoing positive attitude encourages us all. Absolutely amazing to read of your results to date, keep up the good work. Take great care.

Hugh
Thank you for inspiring me to swim. I had a great time. Unfortunately Paul Norris beat me (and Dayna and Abbey’s mums) but I got in and swam. I was really pleased with my dive and everything after that went downhill. Strange thing is the dive was the only thing I did not practice! The atmosphere was incredible. They played music during most of the races and it kept the whole place buzzing during what was an incredibly long meet. Well done the organisers.

Hope we gave you a few laughs. Keep up your hard work and I will keep mine up.

Richard

PS Raumati are leading in the 12 and under interclub competition. Go Raumati !!!

The meet is now on the news on Tuesday night at around 6.30. They don’t want to cut the amount of coverage. Something keeps coming up in the news and so they are running out of time!!!!
Thanks so much to the incredible organisers and all the helpers. I know it took a hell of a lot of time and effort from everyone. Thanks also to the swimmers and spectators and celebrities for supporting me. You are all truely awazing people!!!

I’m not going to gloat, i swam a nine second PB, i am sure i died and came back to life. my goggles came off in the dive and some person kept taking my picture and i just wanted to get out..i used Adams blue suit (it wouldnt zip up)…ho ho ho.
.
I have learnt one thing, i will NEVER ever tell my kids they coulld have tried harder, still i got a 51 for 50 breast, probably im going to get the club senior citizen trophy.

Hugh that was my first ever swim meet and the first that Luke has ever swam in - what a night - I was shattered by 9:30 I do not know how the organisers and officials kept on going. Luke did not come last which was brilliant for a non swimmer. It was fantastic and if at some points you only ever saw the roof of the pool that would be when Luke was holding the camera!

I am told that water polo starts again soon so Luke will be out there trying hard to get your title as the number one goal scorer!

Good to hear your news - keep it coming - we usually check at least once a day to see what is happening and it is heartening to read good news.

Hi Guys

Sounds like thte swim meet was an enormous success. Will try to catch the news tonight - should be home in time. Well done to all!

Awesome news about the pricks Hugh!! What’s it like being a pincushion? I imagine it is only when in your situation that you’d actually appreciate it.

Still thinking of you lots and lots - love and hugs to all. Keep up the positive work all of you - you are an amzing family.
xoxoxoxox

Hi

Its stacey, shelley and blairs mum just wanted u to know we are all thinking of you and your family and send all our love and best wishes. Have had quite a laugh reading your messages.

Your swim meet was FANTASTIC we all had so much fun.

It was scary putting on the speedos and Jan Hill told me i didnt had to dive lol she told me in secruitanaring that she was diving. I havent dived for probably 20 years scary thought but did it with ease im glad they had over the head starts as there was no way i would of been able to hop out of the pool at the end of the race.

Blair swum a 26 sec pb for 100 breast at 10pm at night and qualifed for 3 events for wellington champs. Kids were doing pbs everywhere the place was buzzing with an amazing atomosphere and it was all for you.

keep up the hard work and i liked the idea of nail polish on ya toes our thought are with you always

TV One did some awesome coverage. Great to see you wearing your Paraparaumu College jersey Hugh!

For those that missed it you can see it on the TV One website.

You’ve all got one hell of a fighting spirit. Keep it up. We all miss you here.

Cathy, Gary, Emma and Brooke

Great coverage on telly - had to race home but managed to catch it - being so far away means it’s hard to understand the realities of your day - the show gave us an idea about what you and your ma are going through on a daily basis! Of course DAd and Michelle too - being away can sometimes be worse! Awesome Hugh - keep up that amazing spirit - you will walk out of there!

love and hugs and miles of positive thoughts

xoxoxoxox

Hi Hugh, Adele, Bevan& Michelle,

The TV Ones coverage of your story was excellent. They dedicated a great deal of time to your story, (and so they should) you are an incredialbe young man, dealing with a situation beyond our comprehension , in a remarkably positive way.

Keep it up .
Keep the OW OW OWss coming as you get your pricks.

Tara

Fed myself yesterday some cut up banana. I’m having a go at baked beans today which should be a laugh!! I might need a big bib for this one.!!

Baked beans - Yuk. Although they are great energy food. Just ask Mr Hose - he has a daily feed of them.

Great to hear that you can manage the co-ordination and control of hand to mouth. Cut up banana would be slippery little suckers too.
We are starting to wind down from the huge Saturday night. It has taken a while for me and I was only on the periphery of the organisation.

We have prizegiving on Friday evening - Paul better watch out for what he wishes for - he just might get it. Will keep you updated on how it goes.

Heather

Hugh,

Most amazing meet I have ever attended and like your parents I have been to a few. The swiming club did an amazing job and was an emphatic demonstration that kiwis do care. Whole family caught the news item on TV and got up to date with your steadily improving situation. Provided some inspiration to Braden who turned 16 today to work a little harder to get on top of a rugby injury he got 3 weeks ago and kept him out of the pool for nearly 2 weeks.
Carina did a 15sec PB (was a very old time) in 100m fly and was looking forward to giving people a run for there money in 100free and 100breast, however we had to go back to town to attend my Mums 70th.
Needless to say keep up the hard work on your recovery as you are making great progress and all the Waves swimmers are behind you as is the Doyle family.

Regards Sean Doyle

hae Hughy
hwe r u doing we reallllllly miss u so much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
u r a star i saw u on t.v u look realllll good ????????????????????????????????????????

hae adele hwe r u doing me mum and all da rest of da whanau miss u sooooooooooooooooooooooo much k gt 2 fli
luf ya frm maiax0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x
x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0x0×0

Now, baked beans over your face would be much more fun than birthday cake icing, and I know just the person to help you feed yourself, must give sam a quick call!

maia again dis is a blonde joke hpe u like it

a brunette goes to the doctor and says doctor doctor im hurting all over my body.
“thats odd” replies the doctor “show me what you mean” so she takes her finger and pokes her elbow and screams in pain. she touches her knee and cries in agony and so on. the doctor says “your not a real brunette r u” “no i’m a bolnde” she says “i thought so… your finger is broken!”

[hped u liked it] i mite send u sum mre blonde jokes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> bi bi gt 2 fli

Caught the TV item. Wow you’re looking great. Nice to hear the progress you’re making. Keep it up. When the going gets tough just remember what you said in your interview. It was truly inspirational. I’ve had comments from people outside of the swimming circle and you’ve touched alot of hearts,

We are all proud to know you Hugh.

Roberts Family

Hey Hugh,
great tv story,I watched tv one especially for you!
Awesome to hear about all the progress your making, keep it coming.
Let us know how the baked beans went:)
Ash

The baked beans reminded me of the story about the man who loved baked beans… unfortunately they made him fart a lot so his wife wouldn’t let him eat them.

On his birthday he decided that to hell with it he was going to have as many baked beans as he wanted before he got home. He packed them in and arrived home looking very innocent.

His wife met him at the door saying “Darling I have the most wonderful birthday surprise for you but you need to be blindfolded so it is a total surprise. Don’t look or it will spoil the surprise”

Oh my goodness he thought - more baked beans. He was salivating at the thought.

So she blindfolded him and led him into the dining room, sat him down and left the room.

By now, the man was beginning to feel the effects of the baked beans. He lifted one buttock up and a cracker came out. He found his napkin and flapped the air to disperse the smell before his wife came in.

The welling feeling in his rear passages kept coming and finally the hugest fart you could imagine let rip…He jumped up, jiggled his rear around, flapped the air with his napkin, opened and shut the door fast….

He was very grateful his wife was out of the room so she had no idea what what he had been up to.

He squeezed his buttock muscles and the silent and violent still came out…

Fortunately his wife was out of the room for over ten minutes.

By the time she had returned he had settled himself down, the air was sweet and his muscles were strong enough to contain it all.

“Here is your surprise darling” she said, took off his blindfold…………………….and there seated around the dining table were 6 of their friends for the birthday dinner party.

Hope the baked beans don’t have such an effect on you…………..otherwise poor room mates.

Ha that’ll teach him!

A man left work one Friday afternoon. But instead of going home, he stayed out the entire weekend playing golf with the boys and spending his entire paycheck.

When he finally appeared at home Sunday night, he was confronted by his furious wife and was bombarded for his actions with an angry tirade for over two hours.

Then his wife stopped the nagging and simply said to him, “How would you like it if you didn’t see me for two or three days?” To which the husband replied: “That would be fine with me.”

Monday went by and he didn’t see his wife.

Tuesday went by and he didn’t see his wife.

Wednesday came and went with the same results.

Finally, on Thursday, the swelling went down just enough, to where he could see her just a little bit out of the corner of his left eye.

As Heather said, people need to be careful what they wish for.

Fed myself fine and didn’t even spill a thing!
Maybe I should try peas and rice next.

I went on the tilt table today. It’s a type of bed that you are strapped in to. I gradually went up in it until I was nearly vertical. It feels a bit wierd but it’s good 4 u beacuse it allows me to bear weight on my legs. This is good because it helps with calcium absorption which is needed 4 healthy bones.

well all that sounds pretty cool and i think you should try soup because that would be a hard one.glad your still improving lots !!!!

from sam

Hi Hugh

It’s great that you are keeping us up to date with your treatment and rehab. That tiltatable sounds like something out of a fair ground. On telly you looked like you are working really hard doing your exercises, infact, even more so that our ‘push up’ people at training. The staff at Burwood are so skilled you need to make sure you get every bit of knowledge out of them.

The prizegiving and AGM went really well last night and it was lovely to see your Grandparents there as your representatives. I hope they enjoyed their evening at the Raumati Swimming Clubrooms.

I’m really please I wasn’t in the same room as you after baked beans for dinner. Ms Priest, your story was so vividly described that I will never contemplate eating baked beans - ever.

Talk again soon Hugh

Heather

Hi Hugh
Fantastic to hear of your progress. Nice to see you popping up in the media here and there. Thought I might jump on the bandwagon and share a joke sent to me by a friend in Israel.

A pirate walked into an Inn and the Innkeeper said, “Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while. What happened? You look terrible.”
”What do you mean?” said the pirate, “I feel fine.”
“What about the wooden leg? You didn’t have that before.”
“Well, we were in a battle and I got hit with a cannon ball, but I’m fine now.”
“Well, OK, but what about that hook? What happened to your hand?”
“We were in another battle. I boarded a ship and got into a sword fight. My hand was cut off. I got fitted with a hook. I’m fine, really.”
“What about that eye patch?”
“Oh, we were at sea, and a flock of birds flew over. I looked up and one of them s**t in my eye.”
“You’re kidding,” said the Innkeeper, “you couldn’t lose an eye just from bird s**t.”
“It was my first day with the hook.”

Say hi to your mum for me.

Sheila

hugh
All these movements are great news (and I don’t mean anything related to the baked bean stories).

It was great that your Grandparents where at the prizegiving in your Honour;
the swimmers all stuffed there faced with pizza and chips in your Honour too….

Keep the updates coming we love to hear how you’re doing.

Christine & Paul

Hi Hugh
Dayna and I had awesome time last Saturday night, something I hadn’t done for years and never thought I would ever do again. The atmosphere was electric to say the least.

You always have great possitive attitude which is certainly helping with the progress you are making.
Hope you have another week of amazing new milestones.

Hi all

you may remember Jeetan Patel made a special guest appearance at Hugh’s swim in Naenae a few weends back and by all accounts did a great job.

By the looks of things, ‘Jeets’ now needs our help.

Jeetan has been nominated for the “2007 Wellington Sporting Personality of The Year” which will be announced on June 6th.

Let’s vote for Jeets.

Go to http://www.dompost.co.nz or txt ‘Jeetan’ to 3100 (cost is 20c).

Thanks very much.

Hi Hugh

Hope you still working hard on your road to recovery. I know you are, particularly with Mum by your side!

The College Prospectus is at the printers ready for the Year 8’s to come and visit us at the end of June! Can’t believe that it comes around sooo quickly. I’ll send you a copy just to remind you how wonderful Paraparaumu College is!!!!

Luv to Mum and we are all looking forward to you coming back to school, even if just for a short visit, at first!

Take care

Cathy

Jeetan Patel certainly did do a great job, set a few hearbeats thumping and was there showing his support for you Hugh… doesn’t take much to show a bit of support back in return
How’s it going Hugh?
Got any news for us?
Hope you’re still pumping those weights at the gym I’ll have to log onto bebo and see if there are any new photos to look at…
Just a quick reminder that we’re still thinking of you and look forward to seeing you soon;-)
Take care
Christine

Hey Hugh

Thought I’d pop in and let you know I am still swimming. Training for next year? I was down at the pool yesterday lunch time and the old retired guy in the lane was walking one lap swimming one lap - and I still struggled to overtake him. Hopefully when we get a new pool we can separate theose oldies away from us competitive swimmers. Went to the Matson Throphy meet on Sunday night - the final had starts from Go to 31 seconds and they all finished with in a few strokes of each other. A very exciting finish.

Hope to see you up here soon.

Richard Mansell

Janie Parkhouse came to see me last week. She is really nice.
Got an electric wheelchair on Monday.It’S really good. I get 2 go wherever I want now.Yaho!!

I’ve already run away from mum. While she was busy talking I broke away and zoomed down the corridor 2 the lounge. B4 she knew it I had escaped outside.He he!!! I couldnt go 4 2 long as I had 2 get back 2 go 2 Christchurch hospital in the ambulance 4 a MRI scan.
I had 2 go back again 2day 4 a CAT scan. Why we didnt do both scans at the same time I dont know.:o

Thanx 2 My stats class and Mrs Priest 4 the letter.It was cool 2 hear from u all.:)

Hi there Hugh
An electric wheelchair sounds like fun! How fast does it go?
Things are good here. Its a stunning day today, almost makes me want to go for a swim - now wouldnt that be unusual! The Distance Camp last weekend in Chch was ok, pretty hectic and there was no spare time so we couldnt come and visit. When we werent in the pool we were in the classroom, or the dining room, which at St Bedes was pretty awful - I reckon your hospital dinners must be a lot better than what we got! Its an old school and the place we were put was really really old and therefore bloody freezing. I went to boarding school for seven years I and tell you it brought back horrible memories! We girls were camped out in the ‘health centre’ or sick bay, while the boys were upstairs but they all had to be in the same room - Clive Power, Carl Gordon and the other coach included! I think it kept them in line though. I think I was responsible for keeping the girls in line, although Gareth Kean will tell you I am more of a child than him. (As I quoted to him, Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional).
Anyway, next weekend is Queens Birthday, and for those of us in paid employment, that is the last public holiday until Labour Weekend in October - and trust me that really is a long cold dark haul. You would think a holiday in the middle of winter would make things so much more pleasant for everyone! I reckon a four day working week is the go.
And speaking of work, enough procrastinating, I had better get back to it. Take care and let us know how your wheelchair goes (you could set up races in the corridors….)
By the way, I would say to do two scans in one trip probably involved too much forethought and forward planning…..

Hi there.
An electric wheel chair. How cool. The closest I have got is a ride on mower but that is purely for work. Yeah right! With this greater mobility it must mean you are closer to being able to come home which must be a good thought. Hope to see you soon.

Richard

Wow an electric wheelchair eh.

You’ll be able to race David when you’re up here. He’s just bought himself a motorbike. Says he’s bought it for practical reasons Ha I think it’s the old mid-life crisis thing. Although he did use to race motorbikes in days gone by, even earned himself the nickname of Boy Racer (that’s before the modern boy racer when boy racing was serious rather than just trendy).

Hey maybe you can get yourself a new nickname.

We could have a competition to see which one suits you and your new wheels. You’ll have to send us some pictures.

Have fun

Jill

Just to let you know Hugh that Dave, Penny and Cam Mackay are wearing their blue HughBand 24/7. Cait’s kept falling off because her wrists are too scrawny. I have seen people on the Coast I don’t know wearing a HughBand and it’s a bond - like a Masonic handshake!
Keep up that amazing spirit, it’s an inspiration to all of us.

the Mackays X

Hey dude
That electric wheelchair sounds awesome, and i had to laugh at you breaking away down the corridor, I can just imagine you cracking up while doing it lol. One of my sports lectures at uni saw you on the news and said he thinks you have so much strength, that your hard work and attitude inspires him, and that you seem like a really cool guy. Just thought I’d let ya know how even those who don’t know you can see how awesome you are
Was impressed with the food you’ve fed yourself baked beans are slippery and run around the bowl/plate like peas! Haha
The swim meet was def good, a lot of the old swimmers from when I was coming through the club were there which was neat, and there were so many swimmers that Dad was working up a sweat during the 50s as he was the runner-a fitting title as he did have to run haha. As for the actual swimming, lets just say I got wet, I got puffed and I only swam 50s haha.
Everyone up in Palmy has been asking me about the blue band I wear and what it represents, your getting famous lol.
Well exams are coming up for me so had better get back to the study grind…yay fun.

Laters

Wel it seems like ur enjoying urself if u cn do runners in the wheel chair! Gosh that must be fun! So now that uv done a runner u culd try do a drive by like on grand theft auto. Gr8 to hear u getn better thats fab! chech ya later dude!

Awesome news about the wheelchair!! Sounds fantastic - especially being able to escape from Mum!!! She’ll need her running shoes on! Hope all is well with you all. As always you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Here’s to you continuing that awesome progress.
Will be in Wgtn briefly this weekend - but hear that Michelle will be the only one around.
Hope to catch up with whoever is home.
Cheers

Linda and co xoxxo

What day do you get home hugh we all miss you from Paraparaumu College and Around Paraparaumu and Waikanae Beach

Hey Hugh

Caught up with Mum tonight … she looked absolutely excused must be all that hide and seek going on. Seriously it was good to see her, have a wine [just one tonight] etc. Good to hear how things are going for you thou.