Stroke-hit son is an infant all over again, says Thorne

Grahame Thorne (left) hopes son David can leave the Burwood Hospital spinal unit by the end of the month. Picture / John McCombe

Former All Black Grahame Thorne likens caring for his 20-year-old stroke-affected son to raising an infant again.

"We are having to teach him the things you and I know," Thorne says.

"He still has problems like: what an apple or orange is, what hot and cold is. He has got to learn from day one. He's desperately trying to talk and he can say some of the magic words like **** every now and then."

David Thorne is in Christchurch's Burwood Hospital and faces a painstakingly slow recovery from the stroke and subsequent brain damage. The stroke occurred a few hours after he suffered a neck injury while playing club rugby in Motueka on May 6.

The Tasman Rugby Union found no particular incident in the match could be linked to David's injury, but an independent investigation by Nelson lawyer Garry Barkle is under way.

Grahame Thorne is convinced his son suffered the crucial blow to his carotid artery when he was tackled around the collar as he dived for a try.

It is hoped David may be able to leave the hospital by the end of the month.

While he has regained the ability to walk, his right arm is "useless".

He will never play rugby again and his injury puts him at risk of further strokes, Grahame Thorne says.

A special fundraising dinner and auction for David will be held at Auckland's Langham Hotel on August 10.

All Black coach Graham Henry will appear for a question-and-answer session and former All Blacks Colin Meads and Eric Rush will speak.

A variety of prized sporting memorabilia will be up for auction.

For ticket information, phone (09) 845-5540.