Dom Punch’s signature smile has returned as the injured Maitland Blacks player begins the long and unknown road to recovery.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 27-year-old was given a welcome boost in Royal North Shore Hospital this week with a visit from Blacks teammates Mick Hickling and Ben Emmett ahead of Sunday’s special fundraising lunch at Marcellin Park.
The event will mark one month since the collapsed scrum that dislocated his C5 and C6 vertebrae during the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union second grade grand final at No.2 Sportsground.
He remains in the intensive care unit, but was recently downgraded from critical to a serious and stable condition.
Punch has suffered spinal cord damage but is able to move his shoulders, arms and wrists.
An accurate long-term prognosis could be up to eight or 10 weeks away and rehabilitation is expected to take many months.
He still requires intermittent breathing support via a ventilator, but physiotherapists hope independent breathing will return in the not-too-distant future.
The Punch family released a statement on Thursday to update the concerned community about Dom’s bravery in the face of adversity.
“Although Dom has a frightening and very challenging road ahead, he is trying to remain positive, hopeful, brave and strong,” the statement read.
“His signature smile, though subdued, is not far away.
“Dom and his family are extremely grateful for all the support being offered by Maitland Rugby Club, The George Tavern, his friends and the wider community.”
Former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey will be the guest speaker at Sunday’s sportsman’s lunch at Marcellin Park, which is expected to attract more than 700 people.
The Dig Deep for Dom campaign was launched at his workplace, The George Tavern, and collections buckets have been placed in 42 venues across Maitland and the Hunter.
A double wicket cricket day has been arranged at Lorn Park for November 15.
A Dom Punch Appeal page has been established on Facebook, which includes trust account details.