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One of NZ’s best horsemen, and a stuntman with 20 years in the film industry. Rory needs help after a riding accident.

  • Week Eight Update

      3 July 2026
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    It’s been a huge milestone this week, as Rory has been able to come home a few times now for short visits with a friend (driving is not an easy task for now), and then return to the Burwood Unit. Being able to spend time with his family again has made a real difference, and we’re all very grateful for it.

    Rory is still staying at the Burwood Unit overnight, where he is doing very intense physical rehabilitation training. A big thanks to Megan and Quin, who have pushed him through occupational and physiotherapy sessions and put him through “hell” in the best possible way. The effort he’s putting in is truly impressive, and the progress is showing.

    We’re hopeful that in about two weeks Rory may be able to come home for good. It’s still a long road ahead, and there’s no doubt recovery will take time, especially as he works through the next phase of regaining independence and integrating back into everyday life. But these recent steps forward make everything feel more possible.

    Thanks again to everyone who’s been keeping in touch, checking in, and supporting Rory throughout this recovery journey. Your messages genuinely help more than you know.

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  • Week Six Update

      19 June 2026
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    It’s now been just over six weeks since the accident, and Rory has been putting in some seriously impressive work. He’s recently moved into the Transition and Rehabilitation (TR) unit, which basically means rehab has gone from “challenging” to “full-time job.”

    His days are now packed with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, gym sessions, balance group, movement classes, you name it. The goal is to get everything firing again: walking, moving, using his hands, and rebuilding those brain–muscle connections. It’s not quick or easy (definitely more marathon than sprint), but he’s making steady progress every single day.

    True to form, Rory is tackling it all with determination (and probably a bit of stubbornness), and we wouldn’t expect anything less. If there were awards for rehab effort, he’d be aiming for gold.

    One of the biggest boosts through all of this has been the incredible support from friends and the wider community. The messages, check-ins, and encouragement genuinely mean a lot, it’s fair to say they’re a big part of what keeps him going on the tougher days.

    There’s still a long road ahead, but things are moving in the right direction, and Rory is giving it everything he’s got.

    Thank you again to everyone who’s reached out or supported him in any way, it really does make a difference.

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    • 19/06/2026 by Carolyn

      Looking good there Rory, glad to see you are progressing well. Slow and steady wins the race, hope some of the checky nurses aren't giving you too much stick!! All the best for your recovery, Carolyn (Shazzy, Barney and Little Miss)

    • 20/06/2026 by Alison

      So good to see you back on your feet Rory, and making progress. I am thinking of you, and sending hugs, and wishing you all the very best. Allie Moores

  • Wek Four Update

      4 June 2026
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    Rory’s recovery continues to move in a positive direction, with steady improvements being noticed each day by both nurses and hospital staff. One of the biggest milestones this week is that Rory has now transitioned from using a wheelchair to a walking frame. His legs are continuing to regain movement, with noticeable progress, although his left leg is still not fully responding as it should. It is slowly improving and just needs time.

    Rory is now doing physiotherapy and specially designed physical exercises every day, working hard to rebuild strength and coordination. While the progress is encouraging, it comes with its challenges. These tasks require an immense amount of concentration and effort, and as a result he gets tired quite quickly. In many ways, it is like learning to walk, write, and perform basic everyday actions all over again. Even something as simple as lifting a potato chip can still be difficult, but each small step forward is a meaningful one.

    There is still a long road ahead, but Rory continues to show determination and resilience in his recovery journey. Every bit of progress, no matter how small, is a step closer to greater independence.

    Rory would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your continued support and messages. It truly means a lot to him and continues to lift his spirits each day.

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    • 04/06/2026 by Meridee

      Rory it is wonderful to see you standing! All the very best for your continued recovery. You are doing really well. Meridee Steele

    • 04/06/2026 by Louisa

      Fantastic to see you progressing Rory, keep going with the positive attitude !!

    • 07/06/2026 by Anna

      So good to see you up, Rory. The updates are appreciated as you’re in our thoughts. You’re a legend!

  • Week Three Update

      25 May 2026
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    Rory’s recovery continues to progress well, with nurses and hospital staff commenting every day on the positive improvements he is making. While movement in his legs is still very limited, he is now able to stand and move short distances using a walking frame. Even though he cannot go far yet, this is still another huge milestone in his recovery.

    One of the biggest positives this week has been Rory using a motorised wheelchair. Despite the very limited movement he currently has in his hands, he is still able to control the specialised joystick himself. Having the freedom to move around independently, get outside into the sun, or visit the hospital café has been incredible for him.

    Of course, there are still many challenges ahead. Something as simple as drinking a coffee still requires help from others or using a straw, which is definitely not how you would normally enjoy a hot Americano. Still, these small moments are all important steps toward regaining independence. The biggest challenge continues to be the limited use of his hands and arms, but Rory continues to push forward every single day.

    Rory and his family are so thankful for the heartfelt messages, prayers, and support from everyone. The love surrounding him has truly been a huge part of this recovery process, and it means more than words can express. Thank you all so much.

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  • Week Two Update

      18 May 2026
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    Thank you so much to everyone for the continued prayers, love, support, messages, and donations. Rory and his family are so grateful for all the kindness being shown during this time.

    Rory’s recovery is continuing to go really well. His legs are getting stronger every day and he now has quite a good range of movement. His core strength is also improving, which is a huge positive step forward.

    His hands and arms still have some catching up to do but that is due to the location of nerve damage from the cervical spine and was to be expected.

    This week Rory has been able to move short distances using a walking frame for support, and he had also tried using a motorised wheelchair. These are amazing milestones and we are so proud of the progress he is making.

    The nurses, physiotherapists, and staff at The Spinal Unit continue to be incredible. We are so thankful for the care, support, and encouragement they give Rory every day.

    Thank you again to everyone for keeping Rory in your thoughts and prayers and for all the messages of love and support. They mean more than words can say.

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  • Week One Update

      12 May 2026
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    The love and support coming from all around the country has been nothing short of extraordinary. Rory is incredibly grateful for the generous donations, heartfelt messages, and encouragement from everyone thank you so much, team.

    After just one week, Rory’s legs are recovering faster than his arms due to the damage to his neck. There has already been some positive progress: he now has slight movement in his fingers, can slightly move his right arm, and is even able to bend his left leg, all amazing steps forward. Yesterday they even got him to a sited position. Today he is being moved to the Burwood Spinal Unit.

    The nurses, staff, and physiotherapists at Christchurch Hospital have been absolutely exceptional, and we are so thankful for the care, dedication, and support they continue to provide every day.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Saj7ljJtZGA

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    • 12/05/2026 by Anna

      Thank you so much for the update. Many of us have been wondering daily how you are doing. Rory, you are an incredible human. We are all behind you. Much aroha.