Stephen Murray - 1 year on

[STEPHEN'S MUM]

Hi everyone, I know it’s been a while since the family wrote on BMX Talk but we only want to give you information that we feel that you would really want to know.
Of course today is the first anniversary of Stephen’s crash and as you can imagine is quite a hard time for all of us. However, if you reflect on the past year it is amazing how Stephen has lived his life. From having 2 x 7 hours operations on his broken neck, arresting twice, being dependant on a ventilator to breathe, having his wisdom teeth and loose teeth removed, transferring from Baltimore to Denver to California and now being back in Baltimore again to be present at the same event that took away his freedom to move is a remarkable journey. Just being able to face his demons at this year’s Baltimore track is a huge physiological step forward and I am sure that now he has accomplished that on Friday evening he will be able to move forward even more.
There are still many obstacles in his future but he is determined as are his family to get him out of that chair and see him walk again. This may not be next year or even the year after but believe me it WILL happen.
He has been working hard not only on his rehab but on trying to becoming independent financially by working with Kimarie, Chris Mason on clothing designs, Oakley with Sunglass designs, Fuzzy Hall from OGIO on back pack designs and designing dirt courses for major events amongst many other things he has up his sleeve! So the mind is still working overtime and he is in the driving seat.
One of the most amazing things that happened during the past year was the way in which the BMX Community pulled together. I honestly believe that there is not another sport where every sportsman/woman was touched so much or pulled together to will one of their own to pull through.
Having been involved with BMX since Martin and Stephen were 5 and 3, BMX has always been a way of life for me and I never gave it a second thought when tattooed 18 year old with pierced nipples and holes in his ears would come up to me and give me a hug and say thanks for looking after them at an international BMX race meeting. But, perceptions by the public of BMXers are those of ‘bad boys on little boy’s bikes, looking for trouble. Never could the public be so wrong. The BMX world family have come together to look after one of their own in times of trouble and in Stephen’s misfortune it is an amazing positive for the BMX sport. You are amazing!
All I can say is that you – Big boys on little boys bikes – have given Stephen and his family the will to move into this next year with determination and a positive drive to prove that if you do dig deep enough you can do what appears to be the impossible. This could not have happened without your help, support and commitment. I am so proud to be a part of the BMX Community and would just like to say….. Thank you
Cynthia

[THE-CONTENDER]

Thanks for the update,Stephen has always been an inspiration to my son and me, I used to say to him
"Look, a Geordie kid can make the bigtime if he's got the determination" and he's still an inspiration
now, more than ever the way he's fighting his way back, Good luck and Godspeed.
Mick and Jack

[mantadave]

Thanks so much for the update And thats from everbody on bmx talk

[rustycable]

Great update Cynthia

The BMX community has always been a wonderful thing. People form so many backgrounds with one thing in common. Wherevever I have been with BMX I have experienced great times, great friendships and support and help. You can take someone away from BMX but you cant take BMX away from that person. Everyone returns, whether it be to say hi or to have another go. Everyone loves it.

Having known you 'Murrays' since the I 84/85 I have to say that you have all done so much for the BMX in the UK. Cynthia and Jeff you did so much for BMX whether in be organising Euro trips, local races, running teams or just being there for anyone whoever needed your support - true BMX spirit - yet you supported two young boys who went on to shape, change and remodel the face of BMX, not only here in the UK but alover the world.

Its great to know that all of you, especially Stephen, have recieved such great support from around the world but really thats just because we all love you. Stephens personality has always been and inspiration and always will be.


Johnathan Hearn

[rizla]

Truely spoken from the heart Johnathan. God Bless ya

[kuwahara]

Thanks for the update Cynthia, still very moving, I car'nt believe its been 12 months Now.

I'm pretty sure that stephen will walk again some time in the future, he's a very stronge a able person and has made remarkable progress in his journey to recovery.

Healing vibes wish him good luck from all of us.

[Ross' Mum]

And what a year it has been..... was so great to see the interview with Stephen from Baltimore on Friday evening and such luck that we happened to be on the right channel (we have over 1000!!) and at the right time. It's wonderful to hear how well he is getting on with things which are currently within his power to influence and be positive enough to give it his "all" as he has always done with everything he has ever attempted. Much love to all the Murrays.

Shirley
xXx

[mike-at-dialledbikes]

Stephen's strength and determination seems immense. I don't think anyone in BMX has any doubt that he will walk again.

[D]

Hey Stephen's mum,

Thank you for giving us the updates, I've been wondering how Stephen's getting along lately. Thank you for the kind words about our little sport, we just want to do what we can for a fellow rider. Hope he is in good spirits, making progress, and improving. I have never met Stephen personally but one of my friends mentioned that he's "the most determined person I've ever met." which is quite inspiring. From what people have told me about him, I have no doubt that he will continue to amaze his doctors and go way past expectations. Please continue to update us on his progress, and know that Stephen and your whole family continue to be in our thoughts.

[Lee Dell'Isola]

Thanks for the update Cynthia, Stephen has true determination, an inspiration to us all.
Mimmo and I are going out to Riverside in September we hope to go and see him if that's ok.
Keep up the good work
God Bless you all
love
Lee xxx

[Uncle Buck]

worthy bump

[reddsman]

I live in Baltimore and was at the dirt event. The entire crowd stood up and cheered when they saw Stephen. The place was really buzzing. It was great to see. The Solider video by TJ Lavin played and it was inspiring. I don't know if Stephen really knows how much he inspires people by just facing his problems head on. It was amazing to see this man wave to the crowd. I know he will get out of the chair, the progress he has made is unbelieveable. He really is an inspiration.

[niki]

glad to hear everything is still going ok.

does anyone know where i can see this years dirt final and stephen please

[577BEN]

Stephen murray stay strong

[Greenandpurple]

hi, thanks for updating all my family wanted to know how he's doing it's touched us all stephens my alltime favourite dirt rider and as a fellow Durham rider I wish him well

[kyle515]

Dont realy no what to say but i deffo think that steve murray is such a dude, to have something like that happen to you and he seems to have such a good attitude towards it all. Hope everything goes well and 1 day you'll be back on your bike. Who knows