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BATHURST High School student Tyler Horton has made a miraculous recovery after suffering a critical head injury in an Astley Cup rugby league clash last month.
The Year 11 student was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition on June 12 after receiving a head knock in a match against Dubbo College at Carrington Park.
The 16-year-old underwent emergency brain surgery before being placed in an induced coma.
But Tyler stunned his doctors with his rapid recovery, and was back home within a week.
“I remembered being at the game and then it felt like I had gone for a really long sleep,” he said.
“Once I woke up, I was keen to get out of hospital.
“I was very relieved to get back home.
“It was good to get out of the hospital and be able to catch up with all my mates and show them that I’m all good.”
The day after Tyler returned to Bathurst, he went to Orange to watch his team-mates take on Orange High in the second Astley Cup tie.
Tyler’s parents Paula and David and sister Emily said they were relieved to have Tyler home so quickly. They said it was a pleasure to be able to take him to the Astley Cup match.
“He wanted to show the guys that he was okay, which was lovely,” Mrs Horton said. “I think the guys were a bit overwhelmed to see him out walking around and talking so soon.
“You always think of the worst case scenario in those instances, but he was really fortunate every step of the way from the moment he collapsed. There was an ER nurse at the game who provided some amazing initial care and everyone was so calm and in control of the situation.”
"You always think of the worst case scenario in those instances, but he was really fortunate every step of the way from the moment he collapsed."
Mrs Horton said the family was amazed at the speed of Tyler’s recovery and had heard that his swift recovery had left even the surgeon a little gobsmacked.
“Anyone who knows Tyler though, knows that he is very strong and resilient, a tough little cookie,” she said.
Mrs Horton said the family has been overwhelmed by community support in the days and weeks following Tyler’s injury.
“Emily was keeping us up-to-date on comments being left on the Western Advocate’s Facebook page. The support was outstanding, even people who didn’t know Tyler expressed their concern and wished us all the best.”
Emily Horton said she had also received hundreds of text messages of support from people in the community.
Despite his swift recovery, Tyler still has to take things easy and is not allowed to play any contact sport or drive for three months.
He will also have a follow-up brain scan today and will travel to Westmead on Tuesday for a post- surgery check-up.
“I have to rest and relax,” he said. “I’m still recovering from the head surgery, there is still a bit of swelling. I also get tired a lot easier and need to sleep more.”
Mr Horton said Tyler would hopefully start easing back to classes after the school holidays.
Bathurst High principal Geoff Hastings said the school was thrilled to see how well Tyler was doing and was looking forward to his return.
“He is a terrific student and the school is really proud of how he has carried himself through this and the way the other students have carried themselves and supported him,” he said.
Mr Hastings said Tyler’s Astley Cup team mates were delighted when Tyler came to their game and the wider school community was pleased to see him at the school commendation ceremony last week.