“Absolutely blown away,” is how those close to Josh Hanlon feel about the support the young footballer has received in the fortnight since he was hospitalised and in a critical state.
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The three football clubs Hanlon has played for - North Wagga, Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong and Tullibigeal - have formed a fundraising committee to coordinate the efforts of a community keen to look after one of its own.
“We’re just trying to band together and make sure we’re all on the same page and try and make our fund-raising a joint effort to try and maximise it,” North Wagga coach Kirk Hamblin said.
“When Josh gets out of hospital, he’s going to have a long road ahead and any sort of donations and money we can raise is going to help him and his family and take away the stress of trying to find that finance themselves.”
Hanlon, 20, was rushed to intensive care on June 11, only two days after again playing a leading role in a North Wagga victory on the football field.
His vital organs shut down after the spread of the common bacteria, Strep A. For several days, Hanlon fought for his life before his condition was declared stable.
Blood clots to his arm and legs during the process have resulted in the amputation of his right hand and both feet.
But ‘Chooka’, as he’s known, continues to amaze those around him with a positive attitude throughout his recovery.
“Josh’s whole family, especially his father Andrew, has been super positive through the whole ordeal they’ve had to go through and Josh himself has been super positive," Hamblin said.
“The things he’s got on his side are the support of his family and really good support from his mates and the football community.”
The speed at which Hanlon went from playing a game of footy to facing a life-threatening and then life-changing scenario was staggering.
“It could happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter how fit or how healthy you are – go and get checked out. You’re better off safe than sorry," Hamblin said.
GGGM, rallied immediately, running a raffle at a North Wagga game two weeks ago in aid of their old team-mate, raising around $3000, and other clubs are keen to help.
“Absolutely blown away,” Hamblin said.
“The Rock have been fantastic. All up they raised around $4500 (last week). Temora have got a good raffle this weekend. Coleambally are running a raffle this weekend and they’re going to present the money to us (North Wagga) after the game.
“The support of the whole football community has just been phenomenal.”
It’s not just football clubs keen to help the Weethalle boy. A sheep drive has been organised in the Northern Riverina area this week, with collections from Tullibigeal and Lake Cargellico to West Wyalong and Barellan, to be sold at Griffith on Friday.
To donate:
National Australia Bank - Wagga Wagga
BSB 082 912
Account 578331869
Account Name: Andrew and Leanne Hanlon ATF Josh William Hanlon
