Margaret River boy thanks local hospital workers for swift intervention

Eleven-year-old Margaret River boy Jack Leggate returned to Margaret River Hospital this week to thank the health workers who saved his life after a horrific bike accident last year.

Jack brought chocolates — and aptly enough, some Lifesavers lollies — to thank his carers credited with making a crucial difference before he had to be airlifted to Perth for surgery and a long recovery.

The boy’s mum Helen Leggate credited local nurses and doctors for their swift intervention immediately after disaster struck in September 2022.

“I don’t have the words to express my overwhelming gratitude and admiration for the expertise, skills, support, and care everyone gave us,” she said.

“His recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, and while we have a long road ahead, I truly believe the care in those critical first hours at Margaret River made all of the difference.

“The Margaret River team were familiar faces in an otherwise very overwhelming time. Knowing he had the best care possible kept me going.”

She said the quick action of local health workers allowed Jack to be stabilised before the transfer to Perth within an hour after arriving.

Jack was up and walking again soon after, despite initial fears for the worst.

“Thanks to them, Jack was able to attend his end-of-year graduation, something which, in the initial days and weeks following the incident, we never considered,” Mrs Leggate said.

Hospital nursing director and health service manager Marie Tweedie said it was wonderful to see Jack on the road to recovery.

“Jack presented to our emergency department with potentially life-threatening injuries,” she said.

“Thankfully the team pulled together very quickly and were able to treat and stabilise him for his flight which is an amazing effort.

“Receiving consultants at Perth Children’s Hospital remarked on the fantastic job of the team,” Ms Tweedie said.

“We don’t often get feedback when we send patients to Perth, and with Jack being so young we were all concerned. So to see him come in and hear he’s recovering in leaps and bounds was a relief for everyone.”

Mrs Leggate also thanked St John WA ambulance officers and the helicopter rescue crew on her son and her family’s behalf.