Former Brightwater Oats Street client Mark Elsing broke the world record for the longest distance travelled in a wheelchair with one arm on International Day of People with Disability on Friday 3rd December.
Mark wheeled a total of 11km around Lake Monger in just over three hours, far exceeding the previous world record of 4.1km.
In 2014 Mark Elsing had a severe stroke, with Doctors only giving him a two percent chance of surviving the first 24 hours. After three months in a coma, Mark woke to find he could not walk or talk and after 12 months in hospital he was transferred to Brightwater’s Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre in East Victoria Park, where her undertook our extensive rehabilitation program. Mark was with Brightwater Oats Street for almost three years.
Seven years later, Mark broke a world record – a massive testament to his determination.
Mark trained for 9 months and set himself a target of raising $25,000 to go towards the refurbishment of the gym at Oats Street – the place he credits “with a second chance at life” – and ended up raising almost $30,000.
About Brightwater Oats Street
The Oats Street rehabilitation program was established by Brightwater and the WA Department of Health out of necessity – to support Western Australians with acquired brain injury who would otherwise have nowhere else to go.
The original Oats Street opened in 1991, and we are so proud of what we have achieved in the last 30 years –756 people, including Mark Elsing, have been supported on their rehabilitation journey with an average length of stay of 18.5 months.
Brightwater Oats Street’s program is centred on independence, encouragement, support and care.
The 53 bed, therapist led facility provides a transitional slow stream rehabilitation service for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
Its unique built environment includes different houses that reflect our clients’ different stages of ability. Our staged approach to rehabilitation motivates clients to work towards their identified goals and be empowered to pursue their independence.
Read more about the Oats Street program here.
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