Deputy Principal

I Fight, You Fight

Over the holiday break, I took the opportunity to read the book I Fight, You Fight. It is a book written by Alex Noble who is now 22 years old. Alex was a student at my previous school and when he was 16, on Sunday 21 October 2018, he went to NSW Schools Rugby Sevens training. Alex was tackled in a normal tackle and that day his life changed forever. Alex’s accident left him in a coma and when he came out of the coma, he had a diagnosis of C4 quadriplegia. 

Alex, you could say, had a great life. He was a popular 16-year-old young man for whom sport came naturally and had lots of friends. However, if you read the book, he says his life is now so much richer. Through perseverance and hard work, he lives every day to the fullest. Since his injury he has travelled the world, been to festivals, surfed and skydived. 

Alex’s perspective on life is inspiring. In his words he says, “the key is to stop focusing on what you don’t have and start focusing on what you do have. The key is to stop focusing on what is wrong and start focusing on everything that is right. And the most important thing is to find gratitude during those challenging times.” 

Alex could have focused on his disability and let it beat him. However, he has chosen to embrace his disability and live for the future. After nearly 12 months in hospital, he returned and finished school achieving an ATAR of 96.7 and placed third in the state in PDHPE.

I encourage everyone to read his book and get your sons to read it. We all have our challenges in life. However, it is how we respond to those challenges. If we can respond the way Alex has, then we will all be on the path to success.

Adrian Byrne 

Deputy Principal