Sporting clubs are at the heart of communities right across our mining regions. They become a second family for so many, and when one of those family members is lost it leaves a huge hole. This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift is going to one of those families – the Aberglasslyn Ants – who are raising money for a vital service in memory of one of their own.
Brodie Pearson was a popular front rower for the Aberglasslyn Ants Rugby League Club. Sadly, in June last year he suffered a fatal injury during a game.
The Club was heartbroken, the death the second in just a week after they lost former Ants player Lynan Scott in the Hunter Valley bus crash at Greta.
As country clubs do, the Aberglasslyn Ants rallied around each other and in October last year held several fundraisers including the inaugural Brodie Pearson Memorial Rugby League 9s Day to honour their fallen teammate and raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
The Service transported Brodie from the playing ground to hospital where sadly he later died.
“When we lost Brodie playing the game he loved it really hit home and impacted the Club a lot and still does to this day,” said event organiser and player Jack Kelly.
“We want to honour Brodie by doing something that he loved.”
Last year, 16 teams competed from across the Hunter Valley and many local businesses jumped on board to support the day including A Plus Contracting and Polywelding who signed up as the naming rights sponsor for three years.
“We have 30 games lined up featuring open women’s and open men’s teams from as far as Sydney and across the Central Coast and Newcastle.
“It means a lot to myself and the club that so many people and teams are coming together on the day to play in memory of Brodie and for a wonderful cause.
“$100 from each team’s entry fee will be donated straight to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and all the gate takings will go to the organisation as well.
“We will also have vendors on the day with food and drink, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will be set up with merchandise and we have a charity raffle with plenty of items including a pair of signed match worn boots from Knights legend and Hunter Valley local Brodie Jones. We will also have Brodie Pearson 9s merchandise for sale,” said Jack.
Brodie Pearson’s family have been right behind everything the club has done to remember their footy loving son and brother.
“To have a Memorial Day in honour of our loved one is very important to us. It allows all the people who were important to Brodie and the entire community to come together and celebrate his life and passion for football,” said Cassie Pearson, Brodie’s sister.
“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service were the true heroes of Brodie’s tragic accident. They allowed Brodie to have a fighting chance to save his life. What they did also allowed his loved ones to be able to spend a little bit of time with Brodie before his passing in hospital.
“To be able to raise money for the Service we know they’ll be able to help many more people and their families. We all believe they are the most deserving of the funds that will be raised,” she said.
| The Brodie Pearson Memorial Rugby League 9s Day will be held on October 12, gates open at 7am and the first game starts at 8am at Maitland Sports Ground. Entry is $5 per person. Head to the event Facebook page for more details. If you’d like to get involved, donate to the charity raffle or have any questions contact Jack at: brodiepearsonmemorial9s@gmail.com |
