The father of a 17-year-old boy paralysed in a swimming accident is undergoing training to provide specialised care for his son upon their return to Rarotonga later this month.

Maevarangi Kirikava Jnr is ready to return to Rarotonga after spending three months in New Zealand, where he received enhanced medical attention and specialised care.

Kirikava Jnr underwent surgical procedures in New Zealand after suffering paralysis from a swimming accident at Avarua Harbour earlier this year.

While diving head first into the water, following his cousins who jumped before him, unaware of its depth, he tragically injured his C6 vertebrae, resulting in permanent paralysis from the chest down.

His cousin noticed Kirikava Jnr was struggling and assisted him before alerting others, who brought him to shore.

Following immediate medical attention in Rarotonga, he was airlifted to Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, for urgent spinal surgery.

After months of treatment and rehabilitation, Kirikava Jnr, an avid sports enthusiast who participated in badminton, rugby, and volleyball, will be returning home with his parents sometime this month. He has received enhanced medical treatments, including rehab and physiotherapy.

His father, Maevarangi Koekoe Kirikava, a senior police officer, is currently undergoing training from the spinal support unit to provide the necessary care for his son in Rarotonga.

The Brad Hardy Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting families of police officers facing challenging circumstances, is actively involved in helping the Kirikava family raise the necessary funds to support their son’s rehabilitation and his return home.

Despite the professional support in Auckland, Kirikava Jnr and his family wish to return to their own home in Tupapa to continue the rehabilitation programme.

According to Kirikava, resources required for his son are very limited and costly in the Cook Islands.

“We are an island family that want to return to our island and our life however different it is. This will come with costs,” he earlier stated.

The parents are facing financial difficulties because they are unable to work while dedicating their time to the full-time commitment of caring for their son.

When the family returns to Rarotonga, major changes will be required in their home for Kirikava Jnr’s comfort.

Donations to this family will help support all their financial needs for Kirikava Jnr and his parents.

Last week, Badminton Cook Islands was able to raise $3109.90 from their sausage sizzle fundraiser to help support Kirikava Jnr on his journey.

Badminton Cook Islands is still receiving donations from anyone willing to show their support for the family. The Brad Hardy Foundation is also open to receiving donations, a link will be found on their Facebook page under the name “Brad Hardy Foundation”. All funds will go directly to the family through PayPal.

According to Kirikava, his son’s story will help raise awareness about unexpected swimming incidents.