Macca's Rehabilitation Fund

A little bit of context

On Sunday the 17th May Macca was significantly injured and required a complex helicopter rescue from Pilcher Point in the Blue Mountains. He spent about 23hours injured on the cliff face with Police Rescue and NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedics in attendance before he was finally airlifted to Westmead Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

A simple summary of his injuries: he has shattered both ankles, one leg and one wrist and the broken bones have caused a bunch of pesky holes.

In a bit more detail:
His right leg has an ankle fracture in the socket of the ankle joint. The ends of his leg bones shattered near the ankle and one pierced through the muscle in the back of his leg leaving a large wound that will probably need a skin graft type surgery.
His left ankle also has significant damage with the bone on the inside of the ankle breaking away and coming through the skin too. This wound will require skin graft or free flap surgery. We have been told by surgeons that there is a 50% chance of infection and 75% chance of the section of bone dying. If this does happen, it’s likely that he will need amputation.
His left arm has a wound through to muscle layer near the elbow and a distal radial fracture with a dislocated ulna.
Macca has already had 2 surgeries with another 2 scheduled in the next week, and still quite a few more to come in the future. Currently the surgeons have advised that best case scenario is pins and plates for both ankles and possible fusing of one or both ankles. With the high risk of infection from spending the night on the cliff, amputation of one or both ankles/feet is still a possibility.

Recovery will include approximately 12 weeks with no weight bearing, starting from when the orthopedic (bone) surgeries are completed. At this stage this time is likely to be spent in hospital. Rehabilitation to rebuild muscle and to learn to walk again will then begin and continue for many months and possibly years.

In Macca’s own words from the hospital bed “Shit is in places where shit isn’t supposed to be and shit completely gone, never to be seen again”

While we are still piecing the events of that day together Macca believes he was scrambling up easy terrain when a sling hanging from his harness has become caught on a rock or branch, pulling him off balance. A simple and easy mistake but unfortunately one that has had extreme consequences- A more detailed explanation to come.


But there’s a problem:

Macca is facing a long road to recovery with multiple surgeries that have already occurred and many continuing over the coming weeks and months. The medical bills and subsequent rehabilitation needs are continuing to grow and will be a financial strain not only on Macca himself but also on his family.
As many of us are aware Macca lives a nomadic lifestyle with his car and the cliff being his ‘Castle’.

Here’s what we’re doing about it:

His recovery may take some time and as a community of climbers we are pulling together to support a vulnerable member.
We are fundraising to assist Macca and his family to cover the medical costs involved with a focus on rehabilitation expenses and ensuring Macca has appropriate and safe accommodation during this time to aid in supporting the best possible outcome.

In priority order:
1) Rescue costs
2) Rehabilitation costs
3) Housing
4) Transport
5) Additional needs

We’re hoping some of the rescue and medical costs will be waived, but at this stage nothing is confirmed. Regardless, the cost of suitable, safe accommodation, rehabilitation, and associated costs will be significant - well beyond the capacity of him and his family to cover.


You can join us:

Please consider donating to support Macca in his recovery and also by sharing his story through social media and with other relevant persons.
Distribution of funds will be overseen by Emily Small and Dave Barnes in conjunction with one of Macca’s daughters, Raien McCracken.
Please contact us if you would like any further information. Expenses will be documented.

A note from Macca:
Macca would also like to extend his thanks for the support already shown by many throughout the community and also would like to let everyone know that any funds not used to support his rehabilitation and living will be donated to the organisations who assisted in his rescue.


Photo Supplied by: Kamil Sustiak Adventure Photography