A fractured hip won’t keep Daylesford’s Irene O’Keefe off the skiing slopes.
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70-year-old Irene was enjoying her first day of free skiing as a senior at Mount Buller before a crash in the late afternoon saw her rescued from the slopes. She was placed in a full body splint and stretchered via chair lift, snow-mobile and ambulance to the Northern Hospital in Epping.
Irene has embarked on a lengthy recovery process in high spirits with the help of the Daylesford Hospital. She will undergo a five-week intensive rehabilitation program and will use a walking frame for at least two months.
A skier for 38-years, Irene said there was “no way” this fall would stop her.
“I love mountains,” she said. “It’s awe inspiring. It makes you feel great. You won’t stop me skiing.”
“I wish more people had the opportunity to be in nature more. I think there would be less depression and loneliness – great benefits can be had from being in nature.”
Irene said she was grateful for the medics’ expertise and communication.