    |
 |
|
|
|
Article and pic by Shayne Rice:
KTM New Zealand’s sponsored rider, 10 year old Blake Hardman suffered a serious fall on the 2nd of January this year.
Whilst many of us were recuperating from the celebrations of seeing the New Year in, Blake was out training for his next title, the 2005 Blue Wing Honda
New Zealand International Motocross Grand Prix.
After trying to complete a jump at his local track in Wellington, which he has managed to clear hundreds of times before, Blake clipped a kicker which sent the bike forward causing him to exit his ride over the bars. He was to suffer serious head injuries as a result.
Blake was taken to Wellington Hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he stayed, slowly recovering until the 10th Jan. Blake’s current condition is stable and he is making progress each day. He is now in a ward and will be there until future notice. The long term outcome for Blake at this time is unknown at this stage.
Blake has been riding for 7 years and in that time he has taken many Mini MX Titles. In his first year of juniors he claimed the number 2 plate in the 8 – 10 yrs 85cc class in Christchurch. For many of you who have seen Blake ride would agree that there is a future champion in the making. You can’t miss him on the start line as he is the little lad who starts with a nail box each side him. He is the reason some of the younger riders coming through with him will be a force to reckon with in the future.
His parents Ross & Jo say “We have been absolutely over-whelmed with the level of support, good wishes, cards, phone calls, emails, flowers, etc that we have received from all over New Zealand.” After speaking with Ross today, he would like to be able to thank everyone personally but as he said “there have been so many people it will be difficult as some of the people I don’t even know, however I am sure those people know who they are, so I say thank you to you all!"
It’s not surprising, when it happens to someone we spend our weekends with all year round, regardless of whom it is, we all feel for them and there families. Unfortunately I personally have had to experience the same myself just recently. It is good to know that you have such a big support group behind you in a time of crisis. It has to help knowing you have everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
Blake is a very determined boy and always comes back fighting when he is down, I am sure that this occasion will prove to be no different and will go in his favor while on the road to recovery.
I will continue to keep you updated here so as Ross & Jo can help with Blake’s progress.
If you know Blake and would like to send him a good wish - or even if you don't know Blake but would like to wish him well for his full recovery Go Here:
