ARC client Greg was a professional artist, illustrator, and art psychotherapist before life took an unexpected turn. During a routine check, a large meningioma was discovered inside his skull. After walking into Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) for what would become a successful brain surgery, Greg awoke in ICU to a new reality—he had significant weakness down the right side of his body and was unable to stand, walk, or speak.

He made promising early progress at Graythwaite Rehabilitation Centre in Ryde, beginning to walk again—although he still required a sling for his dominant right arm. But soon after, complications set in. An abscess at the surgical site, meningitis, and an ischaemic stroke led to a second craniotomy and wash-out.

It wasn’t until mid-2023, four years after his operations, that he secured NDIS funding and began consistent therapy at Advance Rehab Centre.

Since June 2023, Greg has been attending ARC four to five times a week for a combination of one-on-one and group sessions focused on occupational therapy, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, speech therapy, running, NeuroGym, and upper limb recovery.

About 18 months ago, Greg read about ARC’s community programs—such as sailing and walking football—in one of our newsletters. With a deep love for sport and the outdoors, the sailing option stood out. As a child, he raced small dinghies on Sydney Harbour and played football (soccer) well into adulthood—even refereeing matches in the weeks leading up to his surgery.

While returning to football with his old team seems unlikely, sailing has been a welcome rediscovery. In January 2024, Greg joined Sailability Middle Harbour, a volunteer-led program enabling people of all abilities to get back on the water. Sailability NSW operates at multiple sites including Manly, Pittwater, and Drummoyne.

In March 2025, Greg competed in his first regatta—the Hansa World Championships held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Pittwater. The event featured four categories, with over 180 sailors from 19 countries. Greg sailed in the solo 303 class, the most popular category with 75 participants of mixed ability. He placed 47th overall and proudly took home 3rd place in the NSW division.

Greg’s story is a reminder that progress doesn’t stop at the clinic—and sometimes, reading the right newsletter can set you on a whole new course.