Community supports boy by running, walking and cycling

It was a brisk day, but nothing could stop Levi Sutherland from seeing his friends.

Levy was one of about 150 participants in the Iron Run, a five-kilometer walk, run and bike ride at Mill Creek Creek Nature Park in Riverview.

The 16-year-old continues to recover from a diving accident that nearly claimed his life in June.

Levi and his friends Chase Nagle, Elliott Arbuckle and Weston Baisley were celebrating their last day of classes at the pool when Levi suffered a terrible accident.

His friends acted quickly and saved Levi’s life.

His recovery began at the IWK Hospital in Halifax and then began treatment with the team at the Stan Cassidy Center in Fredericton.

Kelly Sutherland, who is paralyzed from the waist down and has limited upper body function, said her son is doing well.

“This is his first weekend home stay so some adjustments have had to be made, but he’s really excited to be home and back with the community and his friends,” Kelly said.

The event was organized by the Riverview High School community and Christina Stewart Nagle, the mother of one of the boys who rescued Levi.

Kelly said the commitment from the entire community was genuine.

“Really incredible. We just had no idea how this was all going to happen and people keep coming up with unique ways to support us and we really feel the love,” Kelly said.

Levi Sutherland at the finish line of Sunday’s Iron Run in Riverview. (CTV/Derek Huggett)Sunday’s Iron Run was to raise funds to renovate the Sutherlands’ home so Levi could move around the house better.

A ramp needs to be built and the hallways and bathrooms adapted to accommodate his chair.

Levi’s uncle Matt Sutherland said his nephew was doing well.

“He’s a soldier. He is always positive. He’s learning to adapt to a new way of life, a new way of moving, a new way of looking at the world and a way of moving, but it’s inspiring to watch,” Matt said.

Matt said Levi’s parents and two sisters are still adjusting to the new lifestyle.

“They adapt and now their lives have changed. It’s not that their lives are necessarily harder or worse. There are financial burdens, there will be trials to go through. Overall, they are just learning to adapt to a new way of life,” Matt said.

About 150 people took part in the event on Sunday. (CTV/Derek Huggett)The race was co-organized by Year 12 student Hazen Rossiter as part of a course at Riverview School.

“I would have done this without the leadership course. I’m happy to help. I’m glad that what we do here helps Levi. I would have done it anyway,” Hazen said.

Levy politely declined to be interviewed, but said he was excited to see many of his old friends and classmates.

He hopes to be home full-time in the very near future.

Levi’s GoFundMe page remains open to those who want to support him and his family.

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