When a truck collided into the family’s car taking the lives of Paul’s wife Amanda 37, and their 12-year-old son Harrison on the Murray Valley Highway at Brimin between Bundalong and Rutherglen on November 2, Mr Kilmister was left in a serious condition with multiple broken bones and remained in a coma for weeks unaware of what had happened.
Several weeks after the accident he awoke in a trauma unit only to find out the extent of the tragedy. Mr Kilmister has since been battling a long road of recovery aiming to be home with sons Felix aged 15, Morgan 3, and Austin almost 1.
According to Mr Kilmister’s mother Christine, Mr Kilmister is making steady progress in his recovery but still has a long road ahead.
“Considering the outcome at the beginning wasn’t good at all, Paul is doing amazing,” Christine said.
“He is walking, not elegantly but he’s back on his feet.
“As the rehab unit where he does his hydrotherapy is across a large highway as a precaution he is using a wheelchair to get there but.
“They did have a date of February 27 for him to come home but on later thought and testing he hasn’t been deemed strong enough to come home yet. We are hoping for the end of March at the moment.”
Although Paul is progressing in his recovery he will still need rehabilitation once home, which the Kilmister family are hoping can be provided either close to or at home.
“We are hoping most of the rehabilitation services can be provided at home or if there is somewhere in Yarrawonga or Wangaratta where we can go but Albury/ Wodonga is the looking the way to go at the moment,” Christine said.
“Both the boys (Morgan and Austin) are doing very well with Austin improving in leaps and bounds but he still has to have a bit of physiotherapy which will be in Albury.”
Before Paul is allowed to come home, the family house will be inspected to deem if works need to be done to further assist him.
“No work has been done to the house as of yet but they are in discussions at the hospital at the moment about what he may need around the house,” Christine said.
“Although in terms or railing and the likes no work has been done, many locals have donated their time or items to the family to help around the house.
“An air conditioner has been donated, along with turf being put in along with watering and electrical.
“Paul had began renovating before the accident and the locals have just been amazing, helping to finish off what hadn’t been completed.
“It will still be two to three years before he’s back to how he was before but he is doing well and the boys are coming along in leaps and bounds.”
Most of all Christine, Paul and the Kilmister family wanted to portray their gratitude to the community for their help in these trying times.
“Paul keeps saying he won’t be able to thank the community enough for all their help and how much they have assisted the family but he is very much eternally grateful and hopes he will be able to see everyone that has assisted and thank them personally once he is home.”