King Wally Lewis brings his love of rugby league to rehab patients at STARS
Wally Lewis visiting staff and patients at STARS rehabilitation gym, including patient Mark.
This week sporting legend ‘King’ Wally Lewis brought his love for the game of rugby league to the patients and staff at the rehabilitation gym at the Surgical, Rehabilitation and Treatment Service (STARS).
Wally has seen his fair share of injuries during his rugby league career and also had a knee reconstruction last year, so he is very familiar with the rehabilitation journey.
Patients at STARS are recovering from a range of health conditions including stroke, acquired brain injuries and trauma.
Wally spent time chatting with patients about their rehab and reminiscing about his rugby league career. It seems everyone has a Wally Lewis story, from memories of watching him play in the State of Origin, meeting him when they were younger, to being inspired by his biography. Rugby league is indeed a universal language!
Director of Physiotherapy Haylee Kajewski knows how rehabilitation can be physically and emotionally challenging and how meeting a football great face-to-face can really lifts spirits.
“Wally’s visit to STARS bought a smile to the faces of patients and staff alike,” Haylee said.
“His genuine care and warmth shone through, and it was wonderful to hear how Wally’s career continues to be an inspiration to others to apply those values of grit, determination and resilience.”
For patient Mark, meeting Wally was a great addition to what had already been a very successful rehabilitation session, having performed his first stand from a chair. Mark, who is recovering from a car accident, spoke to Wally about how he approaches his rehabilitation.
“You’ve got to have a positive attitude,” said Mark.
“I make the effort as I want to get home to my kids and grandkids. To be able to do that I have to do the work.”
RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske is thrilled the Foundation can make a small difference to a patient’s day.
“Wally has been visiting regularly this year as part of our 40 Moments of Joy, the Foundation’s gift to STARS and RBWH in celebration of our 40th anniversary,” she said.
“Watching the reaction of everyone Wally meets has been incredibly rewarding and I know that ‘The King’ is as enthusiastic about the visits as are patients and staff!”
We thank Wally for giving his time so generously and to the RBWH Foundation for facilitating the visit.