Community rallies around injured mountain biker James Lowe

THE Port Macquarie community is rallying around James Lowe, 33, following a “traumatic” mountain bike accident.

The husband, father and skilled refrigeration mechanic and electrician, is well-known for his jovial spirit and love of the outdoors.

Friend Allie Isaacs describes him as a “beautiful, kind man who has touched the lives of many.”

She has organised a fundraiser for James and his wife Erica, a local midwife, as they face an uncertain future.

Allie has shared details of the accident and his recovery.

“While doing what he loves most – mountain biking – on an ordinary Saturday three weeks ago, James tragically had a serious accident,” she writes.

“He sustained a traumatic brain injury, a broken back and neck.

“The accident changed his life in an instant.

“James spent almost two weeks in an induced coma in Westmead Hospital, with serious concern for both his neurological and physical prognosis.

“He now remains in ICU with varying levels of consciousness, undergoing assessments to determine the extent of his brain injury.

“Whilst James is (without a doubt) lucky to be alive today, he now faces a long, slow road to recovery with intensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical support.

“James is not only a beloved friend and community member; he is also a devoted husband and a father, with a young family who need to be able to bring him home.

“While James’ strength and determination remain – the financial toll of recovery on their family will be significant.”

The Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park is joining Allie in asking for support.

“Our thoughts are with James and his family over these hard times.

“James is a regular at Jolly Nose who has recently jumped on board our committee – doing great things for the community.”

Allie has started a GoFundMe page which can be found by searching “help-james-recover-after-a-traumatic-brain-injury”.