It comes after more than 50 St Columba Anglican School students, both Interact Club members and from the wider school community, helped as volunteers for Ironman Australia Port Macquarie.

They assisted on the main bike-run transition station at Westport Park.

Interact Club facilitator Gayle Houlahan said for their day-long efforts, they received $2000 from Ironman organisers and it was this money which was presented to Mr Wright.

Mr Wright was seriously injured when he was knocked from his bike during a routine training ride on Ocean Drive just north of Lake Cathie on March 4.

He was training to compete in an Ironman event.

The Interact Club’s vice-president, Jacob Killick, presented the $2000 cheque on November 22 to Tony and Leanne Wright.

Mr Wright continues his recovery at Port Macquarie Private Hospital’s rehabilitation unit after a four-week stay at John Hunter Hospital’s intensive care unit and six weeks in the trauma ward, followed by time at Rankin Park Rehabilitation Centre.

Mr Wright said he was very thankful for the $2000 donation towards his recovery.

“I am proud of the fact they think enough of me to make the donation,” he said.

Mr Wright’s progress has been beyond expectations.

He still tires easily and his concentration and memory have their moments.

Mr Wright said returning to Port Macquarie was a massive highlight.

“I’ve had people come in to see me [at the private hospital] in the afternoons,” he said.

“They might just be on their way home from work. That means a lot.”

Mr Wright said community support had meant bucket loads.

“Thank you to everyone,” he said.

“The community support has been fantastic and it’s really appreciated.”

Tony’s wife Leanne added her thanks.

“Thank you to family, friends, work colleagues and people we don’t even know that have supported us,” she said.

The $2000 donation was made at the start of the St Columba Anglican School’s Secondary School Sports Award ceremony.

The Interact Club, a school-based service club mentored by Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and Jan Crombie, has been operating at St Columba Anglican School for a number of years.

It is only club of its type in Port Macquarie.

The club, comprising of Year 9 to 12 students, each year holds fundraisers or volunteers to raise money for worthwhile local, national and international charities.

“This year, club members were keen to raise funds to support the recovery of Tony Wright,” Mrs Houlahan said.

Meanwhile, Local Organising Committee chairman Mike Reid stressed how much they greatly appreciated the school’s help as volunteers during Ironman Australia Port Macquarie.