WINGHAM’S Rotary Citizen of the Year was awarded to a young man who has dedicated himself to a mission very close to his and his family’s heart.
Recipient Todd Green (pictured) is committed to spreading the message of the consequences of road trauma in an effort to prevent others from experiencing the aftermath of an event that can happen in a spit second.
In 2003, at age 22 and at the the cusp of his work and sporting career, Todd was involved in a motor vehicle accident which left him with a brain injury. Todd was left debilitated and forced to learn from scratch, the once simplest tasks like speaking, eating and walking.
Despite the long journey of recovery, which remains ongoing, Todd has directed his focus to preventing others from ending up in his position.
Todd began sharing his story with other young people at high school driver training programs in the area. He has also featured as the last speaker at the traffic offenders program which has a huge effect on participants.
Todd and his mum Sue have been known to travel great distances to tell his story that always makes a big impression on listeners.
It is special for Todd when high school students come up to him after his talk and say they never thought that life could change so quickly, finally realising they aren’t invincible.
Todd has always been motivated by the fact that if he only helps one person then all his effort has been worth it. He has tried to get on with life and believes in not dwelling on the negatives.
Todd is well known in the local community and has also been involved in Wingham District Rugby League Club, helping younger players.
Sue says Wingham is a beautiful community to live in and at the time of the accident, the family were overwhelmed with cards and letters of support.
Todd is very proud to know that people think that what he is doing is worthwhile and that he is being recognised for his work.
Todd has come a long way in his recovery and is now living independently and working at Valley Industries three days a week which he enjoys. He is described as a people person who loves being in the company of others. It is his sense of humour that his family say has helped him through.
“Todd has improved far beyond what we ever thought he would,” Sue said.
Todd’s parents, Sue and Trevor Green as well as his sisters Leanne Alley, Melissa Bryan and Tanya Curtis have all been by Todd’s side from the beginning and continue to assist in his recovery.
Sue explained that the consequences of an accident like Todd’s have a ripple effect. They never go away and are with everyone for life.
The whole family are proud Todd has been rewarded for his tireless work and for the progress he has made to be where he is today.
After such a life-changing and painful event, for Todd to dedicate himself to helping others is a true measure of his courage and strength as a person and the effort and love invested by his family in his recovery.
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