Family of Injured Motorcycle Racer Calls For Help

A Norwegian rider’s family are now crowdfunding for her care after Mia Rusthen suffered a traumatic brain injury following a crash in the first-ever Women’s Racing World Championship event in Italy. After qualifying did not go to plan, Rusthen was beginning her recovery in the first race of the new series.

However, Rusthen crashed on lap five, resulting in devastating injuries. The race was immediately red-flagged as it had become apparent that Rusthen was in need of medical aid. After being transported to hospital, Rusthen was then kept in a medically-induced coma as part of her care.

Following a lengthy stay at hospital in Italy, Rusthen was eventually transported home where she is currently trying to make a full recovery. But after suffering a traumatic brain injury, the road to recovery remains a long one for the 22-year-old.

Rusthen remains in hospital and her family has now begun a crowdfunding campaign to try and raise enough money to help with her rehabilitation, training and follow-up care once she is released from hospital. Rusthen’s family has regularly updated her condition on social media, and they are hoping to raise a total of 300,000 NOK (roughly £22,000) and they have so far raised 134,879 NOK. You can support her recovery here.

The latest update from her family said: “We know a lot of people are wondering how Mia is doing, so here's a little update: Mia has now been transferred to Sunnaas hospital for further rehabilitation and training after the accident during the first World WCR round on June 15, where Mia suffered a traumatic brain injury.

“The road back is long and demanding after such a serious injury. There are many phases and challenges along the way, and it is unfortunately the case that no one can predict the final outcome for quite some time yet. What we do know, however, is that Mia has the best prerequisites and that she is in the best hands. Mia is already showing impressive strength and determination that makes small and large progress in the right direction every day.

“Having said that, she is still in a phase where she needs peace and protection. Mia cannot therefore receive visitors properly yet, as many have wondered. She is also unable to use social media or respond to messages herself as of now. But good wishes and greetings are of course received with gratitude and passed on to Mia.

“It is also far too early to say anything about Mia's possible comeback in road racing, other than that the season this year is at least over. Therefore, it is motivating for Mia now to know that the WC place is waiting for her on the day she is possibly ready for it.

“Only time and patience will show Mia's way forward. And with her she has hope, strength and love in buckets. Thank you very much for all the support and consideration that continues to come to Mia and us.”