“He’s still got a long way to go.”
The teen fell about eight metres off a cliff while skiing at Whakapapa in October. Photo / Emily Lane
Doctors expect Charlie will need to use a wheelchair for at least a year. While his spinal fractures are healing well, Lane said the most serious concerns lay with his legs.
“Both his lower legs are absolutely shattered … he’s going to have long-term issues with those,” she said.
Charlie’s left leg remains in a cast and he wears a moon boot on his right. He continues to experience extreme pain and nerve sensitivity.
His central nervous system has also been affected, resulting in daily episodes of severe nerve pain that have been difficult to manage.
Lane said the prolonged hospital stay had taken a toll mentally as well as physically, but Charlie had been “incredibly brave” and kept his spirits up throughout.
“It’s been a little bit of an up and down journey for him. He’s mostly pretty good … but there are definitely moments where it’s a lot.”
A group of Star Wars characters recently met up with Charlie in hospital as part of a children’s ward visit. Photo / Emily Lane
Lane, who moved to Ōamaru from the Auckland region late last year, said they have been unable to return south due to the lack of wheelchair accessibility at home and limited support there.
Once Charlie is discharged, they plan to stay with relatives in Auckland while rehabilitation begins and longer-term arrangements are made.
Despite the challenges ahead, Lane said her son’s dream of becoming a ski medic hadn’t faded.
“He’s very keen to get back to Ruapehu in winter,” she said.
“We’ll be getting him back in a sit ski and see how that goes.”
Lane also acknowledged the support from the Ruapehu snow sports community, as well as Waikato Hospital staff.
“I want to give a special mention to the orthopaedics team and the plastic surgery team at Waikato Hospital, and also the nursing team, for taking such good care of Charlie.”
With a few weeks still to go in hospital, he’s been granted day leave for Christmas, which they plan to spend in Auckland with wider family.
A Givealittle page raising funds for his recovery and care is continuing to garner donations.
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
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