FORMER Pirates charger Darcy Ward – whose career was ended by a racing crash in Poland – recently started driving his own car.
The two-time world under-21 champion suffered serious spinal damage when he crashed during a meeting at Zielona Gora in August 2015.
Queenslander Ward has since relocated to the Gold Coast and twice a week attends a spinal cord injury recovery centre – Making Strides – in Burleigh Heads.
And having got on the road in his own car recently, the 24-year-old is now confident enough to drive by himself.
Ward told the Daily Echo: "I got my hand controls put in my car just before Christmas but they needed some adjustment.
"After that I didn't really need to drive for a while and I slacked off a bit but there came a point where I had to get myself in gear.
"The more I drove, the easier it got and I can drive by myself now."
Ward and partner Lizzie Turner hope to complete a gym at their home to aid the rehabilitation of the Wimborne Road favourite.
The former Grand Prix star added: "We're in the process of making a gym so that on the days I'm not at Making Strides, I can do something at home.
"I'm getting stronger and am just enjoying myself. I'm pretty happy here on the Gold Coast with Liz."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here