After months of rehab, injured motocross stunt rider, Bruce Cook, is back in Kelowna where he’s adapting to life in a wheelchair.
He lost sensation in his legs after attempting a world record stunt three months ago in Ontario.
You can’t help but feel sorry for the young Kelowa man. But he has no time for pity.
“The ones that come up to me and say how sorry they are and how much I didn’t deserve it and all this. It’s just doesn’t do anything for me,” said Cook.
The 26-year-old was at the top of his game when his career as a professional stunt rider came crashing down last January while attempting a world record double front flip at Ontario’s Copps Coliseum.
“Because I was conscious the whole time, I get goosebumps and the hair stands up on my back every time I watch it. It’s a pretty gnarly crash.”
A gnarly crash with no insurance to fall back on. Something Cook has been taking some heat for.
“There’s obviously the crowd that says: You had this coming and you’re an idiot for doing this and not having insurance but it’s a passion.”
Cook’s passion today is overcoming the everyday challenges life throws at him.
“Something as simple as putting my pants on for myself, or putting sock on or wearing shoes for the first time. It’s like, yeah, it’s quite different when those are the things that I’m excited about on a daily basis.”
Another thing that keeps Cook going on a daily basis is the support — at home and abroad.
“I get messages from overseas. From countries I’ve never even heard of before. They’re donating, they’re sending these awesome messages.”
They’re messages that continue to inspire Cook who refuses to take no for an answer.
“I don’t need anyone to tell me I’m not going to walk again because there’s always hope and I’m just not going to give up.”
There have been a number of small fundraisers for Cook to help with the medical bills.
There’s a major fundraiser happening in June for Cook at the Sunplex in Kelowna.
Details can be found at http://www.smileforbc.org.
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