Former professional surfer Mick Fanning has helped put a smile on a teenager's face after the 15-year-old suffered injuries while body boarding.
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On Sunday, August 4, the teenage bodyboarder was airlifted to Canberra Hospital after he was injured in large surf.
About 11am, NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the incident at a remote surf break on Meroo Headland, north of Bawley Point.
The male bodyboarder from North Nowra was washed against a rock ledge in "very large surf" injuring his pelvis and lower back, a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said.
He was assisted by a group of surfers from the water, including the three-time world champion, before paramedics stabilised the teenager on a rock ledge, the spokesperson said.
He was then winched to safety by the Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter and flown to Canberra Hospital in a stable condition. NSW Fire Rescue and police attended the scene, the spokesperson said.
In a statement on the Toll Ambulance Rescue Facebook page, the patient's mother Fiona praised the work of the helicopter rescue team and Fanning for lifting her son's spirits.
"Having surfing legend Mick Fanning by his side put a huge smile on Declan's face and a helicopter ride made for an eventful day," she said.
"Declan remembers the event and how Dr Helen supported him and talked him through the entire process. We truly can't thank you enough."
