A bike accident has left a Wānaka teen in Burwood Hospital immobile with a broken C4 vertebrae in his neck but his fellow students are rallying to his aid with a fundraising outdoor concert this week.

Toby Mills (Year 9) was biking at Lismore Park on Thursday March 17 when the accident happened. He was found by two Wānaka Kids Club bike coaches who kept him stable until St John arrived.

“Toby’s outlook and attitude from the minutes after his accident have been incredible and will no doubt stand him in good stead in the months ahead,” a statement from Toby’s family said.

“The messages and support from the Wānaka community have been overwhelming and have given him a tremendous boost and appreciation of his hometown.”

Following the accident, Toby was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital where he had surgery to stabilise his vertebrae. After 11 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Toby was transferred to the Burwood Spinal Unit where he will spend the coming months as part of his rehabilitation. 

Toby, a keen musician, attends Mount Aspiring College (MAC) and his fellow students have organised a fundraising music event this Thursday (April 14).

Spokesperson and fellow student Paige Gawn said the fundraiser is to lift Toby's spirits and gather funds for things he may need in the future. 

“The cultural committee feels upset that something like this would happen to a good person like Toby but we know that he is going to push through like the strong kid he is and come out even stronger,” Paige said.

“We want to do as much as possible to help out Toby and his family because we know that if the same thing happened to any of us Toby would be doing the very most,” she said. 

The outdoor concert will be held at Dublin Bay and feature local musicians from MAC including Powder Chutes, Matilda & Oski, and Daisy Anne.

“Attendees can expect a fun two and a half hour concert full of lively music and terrific scenery,” Paige said.

Tickets are limited to 300 people and can be purchased here. The entry fee is $5 for those under 18 and $10 for everyone else.

A givealittle page has been set up to support Toby and donations can be made here. 

PHOTO: Supplied