With a team of over 100 friends, family and sponsors, TEAM BETHANY was represented in every event from the   3km, 5 km, 10km, 22km to the full marathon at the Melbourne Marathon 2017 . The wonderful support and sponsorship from ICON CO, GFNC, AGP and generous donations have contributed to the final total raised - $24,551.  This money has been allocated to Research in ABI Rehabilitation Program looking into how to improve access and quality of services available to ABI patients living in and away from home and how this will affect better outcomes for patients.  Bethany was fortunate to have met Judy Reeves – Acting Director of The Alfred Foundation,  Lisa Somerville - Director Allied Health  and A/Professor Natasha Lannin - Clinical Chair in Occupational Therapy (Research) Alfred Health who expressed great excitement in now being able to better fund this important research project. They were also really happy to have also met Bethany, as the person responsible for raising the funds.

In regards to Bethany's continued recovery journey, she responded and progressed steadily and rapidly over the her first 14 months of rehabilitation. Over the past 6 months, however, she has had a remarkable decline in her health.  It has been extremely difficult with every day becoming a struggle having to drastically reduce her rehabilitation therapies.  Bethany fights daily through fatigue, pain and a mixed emotional state.  Investigations have been ongoing, though it is still unclear why this has occurred.  Bethany's experience can hopefully provide some insight to assist with the research program and  help others who may be going through a similar experience following a severe ABI injury. 

Bethany is determined to run or walk again in the  2018 Melbourne Marathon with Team Bethany.  We hope she will inspire more success for  Team Bethany in 2018.  On Behalf of Bethany, The Wragg Family cannot express our gratitude enough to all those who sweated alongside us or dug deep into their pockets.  We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. 

 My story began....... 

In July 2016, I was involved in a head-on vehicle collision and as a result suffered a severe brain injury. I was airlifted to the Alfred and placed in an induced coma for 9 weeks.  I spent 2 weeks in ICU, 4 weeks in the neurological ward, and was finally transferred to Caulfield ABI for further 4 months of rehabilitation. Right from the start, I received special care and treatment which saved my life and has enabled me to recover beyond initial expectations. I thank all those who were part of this including the air mica paramedics, ICU and neuro ward and ABI unit. I had to re-learn how to do everything, things that I will now never take for granted: talking, eating, walking and drinking. One of my goals is to run. I hope to fulfil this dream real soon, running with family and friends at the Melbourne marathon.  

This October, my team and I (Team Bethany) is going to be sweating it out and doing our best to complete a gruelling course through the streets of Melbourne and ending back at the world famous 'G!

I am honoured to be a part of this amazing race and helping a great cause, and I’d really appreciate your support in this endeavour.