Beloved Tasmanian businessman Carl Mason is fighting for his life after suffering catastrophic injuries in a mountain biking accident that has left him paralysed from the neck down.
Mason, who runs ethical wool clothing company Smitten Merino, suffered catastrophic injuries while riding with friends in the foothills of Hobart’s Kunanyi/Mount Wellington on August 27.
The accident left him with fractures to all vertebrae in his neck from C2-C7, resulting in paralysis from the neck down and an inability to breathe independently.
His daughter Holly Mason described the family’s anguish in an emotional post to social media.
“Our world has been turned upside down,” she said.
“Seeing the strongest, most enthusiastic, positive, kind, generous and incredible person we know lying in a hospital bed, unable to move or speak, is a living nightmare.”
Mason has been transferred to Melbourne’s Austin Hospital for specialist spinal rehabilitation expected to last months, with an uncertain prognosis.
Friends have established a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised more than $25,000 to assist with ongoing medical expenses and necessary home modifications.
The fundraiser describes Mason as “an inspirational mate, father and husband; a total legend” who has dedicated himself to Tasmania’s wild places.
“Carl has lived his life in the outdoors and has inspired many others to do the same. Whether mountain biking, trail running, kayaking or just being, the bush is Carl’s happy place,” the GoFundMe page reads.
Mason has been a regular mountain bike rider for 15 years, with friends describing the serious fall as “uncharacteristic” for the experienced cyclist.
His daughter says the family remains hopeful despite the challenging circumstances.
“We are clinging to hope – hope for healing, hope for miracles, hope that with the right care and support Dad will recover. But the road ahead is long, uncertain, frightening and overwhelming,” she said.
