The life of a remarkable quadriplegic from Perth who introduced an innovative model of exercise rehabilitation to Australia and helped pioneer research - which is now leading to spinal injured people gaining movement and even walking again - has been recognized through a book, ten years after his death.

He started off as a typical knock-about Aussie kid, but David Prast became a commanding presence on international stages. Among his friends and colleagues were top researchers in the field of spinal cord injury and the late great Christopher Reeve.

Like the Superman actor, David sustained a high-level spinal cord injury from a simple accident during a calm afternoon dip at Cottesloe Beach in 1995. After many months in hospital, David was suddenly negotiating life in a wheelchair, with limited hand movement and paralysis from the chest down.

The book “Walk On – The Remarkable Life of David Prast” is written by Peter Murray, who has worked with people with spinal cord injuries and was inspired by David’s story.

It tells the story of one man who was frustrated by the hospital rehabilitation system and did what he could to improve that and life for people in his situation out in the community.

“David revolutionized the way people with spinal cord injuries were treated, by bringing Walk On (now NeuroMoves), a specialised national exercise and therapy service run by Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) to fruition,” said Dianne Lucas, CEO, SCIA.

“David understood that if you can get the clinicians and scientists collaborating and ensure you have the evidence, you can transform people’s lives,” said Duncan Wallace, Executive Director of SpinalCure Australia.

“He would be truly excited to see NeuroMoves being part of the next leap in spinal cord injury treatment.

“We are now launching *Project Spark and our eWalk trial which build on the NeuroMoves service by combining it with spinal cord neurostimulation.

“We believe these treatments are transforming the lives of people with spinal cord injury,” he added.

David remains the only person ever to sit on the boards of both SpinalCure Australia and SCIA.

In his 16 years as a quadriplegic, he initiated innovative projects to fund the quest for a cure for paralysis as well as instigating and being a driving force behind the establishment of research programs and conferences in Australia and overseas.

David’s success and legacy was his ability to connect and bring people together and his enormous energy and drive as an advocate for people with disabilities.

About the author, Peter Murray

Peter Murray worked for SCIA in various senior management roles from 2010 to 2017 before formally retiring. Since then, he has continued his association with SCIA in a mixed role as a casual part-time employee and volunteer.

Peter worked closely with David Prast for two years – from when he started with the organisation, in January 2010, until David’s death in late 2011. He managed the Walk On (now NeuroMoves) program during this time and continued involvement for some years after. He sees this role as one of the most enriching of his life. He is especially grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside an extraordinary man and exceptional leader in David Prast, and considers it a privilege to be able to share the story of David’s remarkable life. Interviews available.

About SpinalCure

Since 1994, SpinalCure has been Australia’s pioneer and leader in the funding and promotion of cure-related spinal cord injury research in Australia.

Four SpinalCure directors live with a spinal cord injury and know what it requires physically, mentally and emotionally to cope with such a devastating condition. The board and leadership team also includes leaders in neuroscience, pharmaceutical and medical device industries and delivery of health services to injured patients.

SpinalCure identifies, funds and promotes the most promising, cure-focused medical research. Projects are reviewed by a scientific advisory panel of national and international experts in the spinal cord injury field.

About Spinal Cord Injuries Australia

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) is a for-purpose organisation working for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and other neurological conditions.

Individuals with SCI and similar disabilities use our community based services to overcome barriers, enhance their independence, achieve their goals and live fulfilling personal and professional lives.

SCIA runs NeuroMoves, an innovative, holistic, evidence-based exercise and therapy service for people living with a neurological condition or physical disability. There are 11 gyms across Australia and with more than 700 clients a week.

Spinal cord injury key facts

• Every day someone in Australia injures their spinal cord, with devastating consequences.
   
• There are over 20,000 people in Australia with spinal cord injury.
   
• These injuries disproportionately affect young people at the prime of their lives.
   
• There is currently no cure or treatment available.
   
• Spinal injury costs the Australian economy $3.75 billion per annum with a lifetime cost in 2020 estimated at $75 billion (+Alphabeta 2020).
   
• For a comparatively small investment, we can make a significant impact on people's lives and save on the substantial costs to the economy.
   
• Cost savings from recovery in just 10 per cent of people are conservatively estimated to be $3.5 billion, with the potential to be as high as $10.3 billion+.
   
• In a second, someone’s life can change: from a car or sporting accident, or a simple fall. Any one of us could go from being active to injuring our spinal cord and spending much of their life in a wheelchair.
   
• The impact is life-shattering, not only for the injured person but also for their loved ones. For these people, there is currently no treatment, pill or lifestyle change that can mitigate the effects of a spinal cord injury. Research is their only hope.
   
• Loss of movement is just the tip of the iceberg—ongoing pain, digestive health issues, temperature regulation, pressure sores, spasm, loss of bladder and bowel control and impaired sexual function are just some of the effects that can make everyday life so difficult.

About Project Spark

• Project Spark is so-called because it could spark a revolution in spinal cord injury treatment.
   
• We aim to get the evidence needed to make spinal cord neurostimulation a mainstream treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI).
   
• We’re seeking $46 million over 5 years from the Federal Government to fund the research needed.

It includes:

• Capacity building: increasing the capacity of the SCI research centre at NeuRA Institute Sydney to co-ordinate all trials and studies.
   
• Clinical trials: it will build on SpinalCure’s current eWalk trial with additional trials for different functions that matter to people with SCI.
   
• It includes an in-home study across three states
   
• It also includes community studies around Australia.

Read more at www.spinalcure.org.au/campaigns/projectspark/

Increasing the independence of people with spinal cord injuries through improved treatment would substantially reduce the $3.7 billion annual cost to the economy by:

• reducing care requirements through increased independence
   
• reducing rehospitalizations for such things as urinary tract infections, digestive issues and cardiovascular complications
   
• improving physical and mental health and increasing workforce participation by people with SCIs

For more information visit: www.spinalcure.org.au/research/spinal-cord-injury-facts/