Health update for Outback Truckers star ‘Sludge’ after severe motorbike accident

Outback Truckers star Paul ‘Sludge’ Andrews will require up to two years of full-time care and rehabilitation after suffering a serious head injury in a motorcycle accident.

The beloved truck driver was rushed to hospital on March 4 after suffering a skull fracture, a brain haemorrhage, broken eye sockets, cheeks and ribs and torn ligaments in a crash.

After spending two weeks in the hospital, he was transferred to Fiona Stanley’s brain rehabilitation center, in the south Perthand is expected to finally be unloaded this weekend.

Although he is lucky to still be alive, the reality TV star faces a long road to recovery once he returns home.

Friend Donna Gell said Sludge’s fiancée Wendy Kennedy will be his full-time carer as he continues his rehabilitation, with the truckie’s full recovery expected to take between six and 24 months.

The Outback Truckers star is pictured with his fiancé Wendy Kennedy

“His rehabilitation includes physiotherapy, speech therapy and ongoing doctor appointments,” Ms Gell wrote in a GoFundMe set up to support Sludge.

“During this time, Sludge will be unable to service The Phantom and run his trucking business.”

Meanwhile, Fiona Stanley Hospital delighted Sludge fans on Wednesday after sharing video of the truck driver providing an update on his condition.

The clip began with Sludge confined to a wheelchair and revealed his five-week stay at the facility was coming to an end before flashing photos of him with staff during therapy sessions.

“I had a little vacation here,” says Sludge.

“I’ve been here a month or two after my accident and it looks like I’m finally going home.

“I just want to thank all the staff and surgeons here for everything they’ve done for me.”

Sludge is pictured during a physical therapy session at Fiona Stanley Hospital

Supporters offered their best wishes for his recovery.

‘Best news! All the best for a speedy recovery,” said one person.

“All the best, keep up the physio and you’ll be back in your truck soon,” said another.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last month, Ms Kennedy said it was a ‘very tough time’ as Sludge remained in hospital for treatment.

“It’s going to be a very long, slow road for his recovery,” she said.

“It’s amazing how life can change in the blink of an eye.”

Born and raised in New Zealand, Sludge has been transporting cargo across Oceania for over three decades and owns Paul Andrews Transport.

He was featured in the popular reality TV series Outback Truckers.

Paul ‘Sludge’ Andrews has worked in the trucking business for over three decades and is known for his signature purple truck The Phantom

With his signature purple 2008 Peterbilt 379 Extended Hood truck known as the Phantom, Mr. Andrews hauled fuel tanker road trains to mining sites all over WA and became famous around the world for his loving personality and hard-working attitude.

Outback Truckers is now showing in 15 countries around the world, including the US, UK, New Zealand and many European countries. He loves motorcycles as much as he loves trucks.

“Sludge has always loved the adrenaline rush he gets from anything with big horsepower,” says his website.

“He races his nitro Harley Davidson on the dirt drag and loves his Honda motorcycles.”

He proposed to his longtime partner Wendy in November – just months before the accident.

“Well I finally mustered up the courage to propose to the love of my life and she said yes, she was looking forward to our new life,” he said at the time.