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Gavin Bratty, seven years on.
March 29th, 2011
In 2004, 11-year-old Gavin Bratty, was on his way home from a weekend of snowboarding with a group of friends when their van was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Thirteen people were seriously injured in the accident and three Rescue Choppers were called to the scene. Gavin had such serious ‘brain shake’ that he was not expected to survive. But luckily, due to the urgent care given to him by the Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance crew and many medical professionals at Auckland Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, he not only survived, but over the course of 7 years, also regained his life as a normal teenage boy. First he overcame the odds and survived the accident. Then he regained significant brain function. Next he learned to chew, talk, walk – virtually learn everything all over again. Later, he was told he’d never be able to drive a car. Wrong again. Gavin now has his driver’s license, is going to university and is living independently at a youth hostel with other Uni students. He’s studying for a degree in IT support, taking him closer to his dream of working in the IT industry once he graduates. Watch his video for the full story.
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11 Comments
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So cool to see this! Gav and his family are close friends and I remember being at school when we were told about the accident. I knew most of the people in that van so thank goodness for the chopper and the team that saved Gav and worked hard on all the other kids.
Bucketloads of respect to all the people in the rescue business!
Gavin – You are such an awesome young man. I can’t imagine what it would be like with out you around! Go Westpac! thanks for giving Gavin a second chance.
the chopper is fantastic
Go Gavin
Go Gavin and go Westpac chopper!!
shot gav bro
Wow! You are inspiring my friend. One amazing testimony!
I am so happy to hear of angels like these and regularly generously donate to westpac chopper. God Bless those saved! ^_^
Amazing. Well done rescue helicopter! and well done Gav for proving them wrong! xo
Our God is an awsome God! Nothing is impossible! In 2004 when we herd about gavins accident, everyone prayed like mad for a full recovery! and thats exactly what he got!
be to our God! and Thankyou to all the support to westpac rescue helicopter!! if it wasnt for them we wouldnt have the quick responses that save lives!
Hi Gavin,
Great to see you on the promotion for Westpac who do amazing work everyday.
Congratulations on your driving, and following your dreams. Your DriveABLE test results suggested you would do well! Well done!
All the best
Kind regards
Anne Molloy NZOTR