Undefeated: The Story Of Bali Bombing Survivor Phil Britten

By Phil Britten, Rebecca Britten & Malcolm Queckett

Phil Britten had led a relatively normal life, and was working towards an AFL career when he was caught up in the Bali terrorist attacks of 2002. After being found by a local family he was taken to a makeshift clinic and then later flown to Australia. His recovery in a hospital in Adelaide and then rehabilitation in Perth are followed by his attempts to do the things he had done with ease before the bombing - play football, practise martial arts and fall in love.

"Undefeated is straight and honest and Phil's story is so inspiring. The different perspectives of Phil himself, his mother, his wife, the people who found him after the bombing and one of his physiotherapists all help to give a greater understanding of this enormous struggle to overcome both the physical and emotional scars that were inflicted on him". Annie, Project Officer, TBBC.

"What tremendous courage and spirit Phil Britten has shown in writing this book. In this soul-baring tale, Phil recounts the terror of the Bali Bombings that killed 88 Australians in 2002 and his incredible tale of survival against all odds. Phil has turned tragedy into triumph, reclaiming his life and refusing to give the convicted terrorists any attention or space in his mind. Phil's physical and mental recovery has taken many years, but by being open to the experience, he now has the chance to inspire and motivate others about making the most out of life and cherishing the people you have in it". Nicole, Marketing and Communications Officer, TBBC.

"Phil Britten is a footballer through and through: the reason why he was in Bali on October 12 2002, and, according to his rehabilitation therapist, the reason behind his remarkable recovery from terrible burns sustained in the Sari Club bombing.

Co-written with his wife Rebecca and Malcolm Queckett, the book came about because Phil didn't want people to forget what happened on that night: he wanted them to understand its impact on those who lost loved ones and those who survived. Getting out and talking to community groups helped him to overcome the depression and anger that enveloped him after the event.

The book is a simple retelling of Britten's life starting with his early successes in football, up until his first day in Bali when after checking in at his hotel, Phil and some teammates head off to a nightclub. A bomb explodes, he is knocked off his feet and injured, then burned trying to escape. He is rescued and taken to a clinic and eventually evacuated and treated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Back in Perth, his rehabilitation is gruelling- years later, spinal operations are still required to treat trauma suffered on that night.

I really appreciated reading Phil's book because although the facts were familiar to me, the book was a chance to focus totally on the story of the bombings and their aftermath, rather than the short 'grabs' when you hear it on television. A connection with the RAH Burns Unit was a further hook for me, whereas for many readers the sense of football camaraderie evoked would draw them in. An added dimension were the chapters written by Royal Perth Hospital physiotherapist, Dale Edgar, Phil's mother Jayne and wife Rebecca, and eyewitnesses from Bali.

The book is short, simply written, to-the-point and uses chapter headings - a format that reaches out to the wider community, making it accessible to anyone over the age of ten". Barbara James, reviewer.

Authors

 

Phil Britten was captain of the Kingsley Football Club when he was caught in the 2002 Bali Bombing, sustaining life-threatening burns. Phil is now a professional martial artist, co-owner of WA Institute of Martial Arts and a sought-after motivational speaker. Phil is also the spokesperson for the Bali Peace Park Association Inc and resides in Perth with his wife, Rebecca, and their two children.

Phil Britten's website

Rebecca Britten is on the Board of the Bali Peace Park Association and was an inaugural inductee into the WA Women's Hall of Fame in 2011. Mother of two and wife of Phil Britten, Rebecca is co-director of their martial arts business and also works in public relations. She is currently working with Curtin University to develop the 'Beyond Bali' education package.

Malcolm Quekett has been a journalist for more than 25 years and writes a daily column for The West Australian newspaper. He has covered stories interstate and overseas including Cyclone Yasi, the Christchurch earthquake, the Royal Wedding and Anzac Day in Turkey. Malcolm has also worked for The Evening Standard and The Times in London.

 

Publisher - includes Bookclub notes and an extract from the book.

 

Articles

 

Sunday Times
The West Australian

The Sydney Morning Herald