Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Manitoba man recovering from surgery following attack

A Manitoba man who was severely beaten by thugs after a concert by Doc Walker in Australia has came through surgery just fine and talked to his mother from his hospital bed in Sydney.Heath Proden, 35, was punched in the face and knocked from his wheelchair after he enjoyed a Sydney performance by the Manitoba country band.

"Everything went well with the operation. He sends his thanks to everyone for their concern," his mother, Shellan Proden, said from her home in Winnipeg Beach on Thursday.

Doctors operated Thursday afternoon in Australia (late Wednesday night CST) to relieve swelling near the brain of the Manitoba man.

Shellan said Heath was aware of the international media coverage he's received, and all the people pulling for his recovery. Heath, who uses a wheelchair after a snowmobile accident on Lake Winnipeg 10 years ago, was visiting his girlfriend Kristin Sharrock in Australia.

Shellan may travel to Australia.

"We're going to see how he does after the surgery before I make any decision," Shellan said. "There is a generous offer from a person in Calgary."

That person is Jason Webb, an Australian who works as a travel agent at Downunder Travel in Calgary. He extended an offer to Shellan for a free trip to Australia to be with her son.

Two youths, 15 and 16, have been arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, as well as with robbery armed with an offensive weapon causing wounding.

-- with files from The Canadian Press

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 12, 2010 A11

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Follow

  1. WFP Hockey

    Download our new hockey app for the iPhone for Winnipeg Jets updates

  2. Editor's Bulletin

    Sign up for daily bulletins from editor Margo Goodhand

  3. Winnipeg Jets

    All things NHL on our Jets landing page

  4. Twitter

    Follow our reporters and our news feeds on Twitter

  5. News Cafe

    Check out the menu, read our blog posts or get info on coming events

  6. Facebook Fanpage

    Follow our Facebook Fanpage for story links, contests and special events

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

Poll

Should infants be allowed in the House of Commons?

View Results

View Related Story