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A FAMILY friend of injured footballer Curtis Landers has downplayed the high expectations of his recovery caused by a number of photos posted on social media.
Photos of the 15-year-old were published on the Curtis Landers: Road to Recovery Facebook page last week and show the youngster walking with the support of staff at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Curtis’ is currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation at the hospital after fracturing two vertebrae in his neck during a game in Port Macquarie on May 24.
Forster Tuncurry Hawks junior coaching mentor and family friend Warren Blissett said while Curtis is making good progress, recent photos on Facebook have unfortunately sent out the wrong message about his recovery.
“There were a lot of rumours going around about Curtis walking on his own,” he said.
“You know what photos are like; sometimes you don’t get the full story and that can often be the problem with Facebook.
“If the nurses had let go of that back brace he’s wearing in those photos he would have fallen down.
“He can hold his weight up for a short period of time and drag his feet.
“But he’s definitely not walking independently. He still needs assistance.
“His recovery is going well. Better than anticipated but it is still slow.”
Mr Blissett said he is not criticising Curtis’ friends who have created the Facebook page he is simply authenticating the situation on behalf of Curtis’ family.
“I’m not criticising them. They have his best intentions at heart and they are good kids,” he said.
“But sometimes when a photo is put up with no words or hardly any words it can leave the wrong impression.
“I’ve spoken to his parents and it’s been clarified that (Curtis walking independently) is not the case.
“They are ecstatic by his progress but are still keeping everything in perspective. Their feeling quite overwhelmed.”
Two people who have been touched by Curtis’ situation are NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley and 2GB presenter Ray Hadley.
The pair visited Curtis in hospital last week where they presented him with a signed Blues jersey.
Mr Hadley, who first visited Curtis in the days after he was flown to the Royal North Shore Hospital spinal ward, will host an auction and major fundraiser for Curtis at Club Forster on July 31.
It was recently confirmed that Laurie Daley and NSWRL CEO David Trodden will be attending as well as Channel Nine sports presenter Mike Rabbitt who will act as compere on the night.
“It’s been a big boost for the appeal," Mr Blissett said.
“Just over $11,000 was raised from Curtis’ jersey day and the support is still continuing.”
For more information about Curtis’ appeal visit: Juniorhawks.com.au