Hugh’s journey from outback emergency to school leader 

By Narelle 

Hugh was in Grade 2, playing with his friends at school during recess at his small school in Eromanga, in outback Queensland. While running around, he suddenly stumbled. His right leg felt strange, his mind became foggy, and he began vomiting. 

I was working at the school at the time, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. Hugh said it felt “a bit weird” that he couldn’t run properly, but I knew something was seriously wrong. I bundled him into the car and began the long drive east. 

About 60 kilometres out of town, we met the ambulance, and they rushed him to Quilpie Hospital. From there, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) flew him to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. I stayed with Hugh from the moment we left the school grounds until the RFDS delivered him to Brisbane - a journey that took 13 hours. 

Scans revealed that, at just seven years old, Hugh had experienced a stroke. It was overwhelming - going from having a healthy, active child to seeing him unable to walk, write, or even hold a pen. Until it happened to us, we had no idea a stroke could affect a child. 

After weeks of intense rehabilitation, Hugh regained the use of his right side and learned to walk again. 

Not only was he able to hold a pen again, but he used his writing to send a powerful message. 

Now 11 years old, Hugh recently shared his story with fellow students in a school leadership election speech, spreading the message that living with a disability does not mean you cannot achieve your goals. 

In his speech, he wrote: 

“One of the main reasons I want to be your leader is to show everyone that even if you face challenges in life, or have a disability, you can still make a difference in the world and be a leader.” 

Hugh was elected School Vice-Captain - a milestone that made all of us incredibly proud. It was a very emotional moment for our family. We’re so proud of the resilience he has shown to achieve things he never thought were possible. 

Hugh’s recovery is an ongoing journey. I would describe it as a marathon, not a sprint, when it comes to managing the effects of a stroke. He still struggles with cognitive fatigue, and there is a lot of travel to Brisbane for appointments. We are endlessly proud of him and the strength he continues to show every day.