Sam Bailey suffered a spinal injury in a car accident when jackerooing in the Northern Territory at 19-years-of-age, leaving him a C6/C7 quadriplegic. Against the odds, he returned to the family farm and fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a farmer.
In 1999 Sam married ABC Radio Rural Reporter, Jenny Black, after proposing to her 'live' on ABC Regional Radio. At the time Jenny had spent 17 years as a newspaper and radio journalist. She now helps Sam run their Croppa Creek farm, speaks with him and together they're about to start writing his next book. Jenny is a keen horse rider and artist.
Sam and Jenny's story has received wide-spread coverage including articles in The Women's Weekly, Australian Country Style, Outback Magazine, New Idea and various other newspapers and magazines. They appeared in February 2000 on ABC Television's 'Australian Story' and their book 'Head Over Heels' was published by ABC Books in 2006.
"Sam Bailey's Story is one of true inspiration. A catastrophic car accident during his days as a young Jackeroo in Queensland left Sam a quadriplegic and a very difficult future. Instead this remarkable Australian turned adversity on its head. Sam has lived a life that made a mockery of his disability and inspired others to do the same. But the Sam Bailey story is not just about one man.It is about an incredibly supportive family and Jenny, Sam's Soulmate combining as a team that crushes fear,negativity and the impossible. Head over Heels is a must read and is a defining book on the power of the human spirit and how Sam Bailey harnessed it to defy the odds" - Simon Poidevin (Former Wallaby).
Sam and Jenny continue to operate a cattle property in north west NSW, but now spend the majority of their time on the road public speaking. Sam's story has the ability to inspire people to fulfil their own goals, appreciate what they've got and live life to the full. It has powerful messages for people of all ages and from all walks of life, from CEOs to school children.
Sam has a passion for flying and learnt to fly an ultralight aircraft in the early years after his accident. He is now working towards his next goal - to become the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter. The project is called Helifirst
The Commonwealth Bank is the major sponsor for Helifirst. The team helping with the project at the CBA include: (l-r) Nathan Barker, Denita Craig and Kate Mihell (second from right). They are pictured with Jenny (right) and Michelle Todhunter (centre). Her husband Glenn Todhunter has been helping Sam with his goal.
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Head Over Heels a best seller!! Read an extract from the book.
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FOLLOW US |
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CONTACT SAM |
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TESTIMONAL |
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"As a recent high school graduate and a ridiculously fussy reader, I stumbled across your book in our bookshelf (I was supposed to be cleaning my room!!). Your humble determination and courage in overcoming adversity is truly inspirational in conquering all of life's problems - great and small. The book was that great I even took it to schoolies week!" - Melanie McKinnis
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JEN'S GALLERY |
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