WorldSSP's Ben Currie reveals he’s narrowly escaped life-changing spinal injury
Ben Currie says an accident in training left doctors fearing a spinal cord injury and paralysis, before suffering a post-operation collapse due to anaemia
British Supersport Championship front runner Ben Currie has revealed he narrowly avoided potentially life-changing injuries to his spinal cord after an accident while MX training ahead of his WorldSSP Championship debut.
The Australian, who has developed his career on the British domestic scene and was British Supersport runner-up to Jack Kennedy in 2021, also says he was rushed back to hospital following an operation due to severe anaemia.
Indeed, it has been an arduous few weeks for Currie after a fall while training in Spain left him with a fractured vertebrae and separation in his spine, which he says raised fears for the safety of his spinal cord and a lack of feeling in his lower limbs
Undergoing surgery, Currie fortunately began to regain feeling in his legs again but a week after going under the knife, he began feeling unwell and was rushed back to hospital for a blood transfusion as the result of severe anaemia, the result of losing too much blood in surgery.
After an absence of several weeks on social media, Currie has now returned to Instagram to tell his tale, adding he is feeling much better and retains a slim hope of being fit in time for the Aragon opener, where he is planning to make his WorldSSP debut with Puccetti Kawasaki.
“Hi everyone, just a quick update on what’s been happening over the last 6 weeks. First of all, I want to apologise for being so quite on my socials and not being totally honest with everyone.
“On the 16th of February I had a training accident out in Spain on my MX bike that resulted in some severe injuries. I unfortunately fractured L1 vertebrae and had a separation in my spine. I was rushed to Barcelona hospital in an unstable condition, with high concerns in regards to the safety of my spinal cord.
“However, luckily enough I had full feeling in my lower limbs. The following Tuesday I received surgery by a really experienced team to stabilise the fracture. Everything went 100% to plan and the surgical team were really happy with the results and I was told I could start moving as of the next day.
“Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go as smoothly from there, as when the ward staff tried to get me to my feet I was too weak and exhausted and became very faint and sick. This was the result of severe anaemia and low oxygen levels in my blood, from losing too much blood during surgery. Which meant on top of everything, I needed a blood transfusion.
“Thankfully after the blood transfusion and two IV drips of iron, the next day I was able to get to my feet and start building my strength back slowly. Since then, things have been looking up and I’m building my fitness back step by step.
“I’m super motivated to be fit enough for the start of the season in Aragon on 8th-10th of April however I can’t say for sure if that will actually happen, but it won’t be from a lack of trying.
He adds that he considers himself incredibly lucky, particularly in light of international events, and asks to be sent only strength, not sympathy.
“I want to thank my family and friends, including all the staff by side at Santa Creu i Sant Pau hospital for looking after me during one of the toughest times of my life. I’m a Super lucky boy, but
“I just have to remember my problems became so much more insignificant with all the tragic things happening in the world, so please don’t show any sympathy, only send strength. I’ll keep you all up to date with my recovery moving forward. Peace.”
