As the Inverell Saints continue to prove their place at the top of the AFL ladder next Saturday, August 11; they will also show their soft side as they support the local Lawlor family.
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The Inverell team will take on the New England Nomads in what is sure to be a furious battle, with both sides keen to hold onto their formidable reputations as they face off on Varley Oval.
“The New England Nomads have been the dominant team for the last six or eight years,” Saints president Jason Gobbert said.
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“They’re all back from university now, so they should be at full strength, so it should be a big test coming into finals time.”
With his name on their jerseys, the locals will have even more reason to win, as they play for Terry Lawlor. Living with a form of motor neurone disease, Terry uses a wheelchair. It is a degenerative disease, and he is slowly losing mobility.
A fundraiser driven by family friends Dallas Wilson and Fay Butcher has raised over $27,000 towards purchasing a van and lifting equipment to help Terry travel with his wife and daughters. They hope to raise around $80,000 by Christmas.
“I went to school with Terry, so we were quick to jump on board,” Gobbert said.
“He was a larrikin, that’s for sure. This thing he’s got’s pretty tragic, it’s sad to see such a spirited young fella going the way he is. So if we can do anything for him, we’ll be happy to.”
He has high hopes for the event, which is also bringing several previous players into town for an old boys day, and hopes to raise “a substantial amount” for Terry.
“We’ve sold individual sponsors for the jerseys for each player - 45 sponsors for the day from business houses around town, which is great,” Gobbert said.
Each jersey will be sold off after the game, and a wood and fuel voucher raffle will run throughout. Although there is no gate fee, spectators will be asked to contribute a donation as they enter.
The profits from the bar and canteen will also go towards the fundraiser.
Terry, his wife Allison and daughters Katie and Elise are looking forward to the day.
“We can’t miss that one. It’ll just be a brilliant bunch of people,” Terry said. “On days like that if you walk away and you haven’t had a great day, there’s something seriously wrong with you.”
Allison said they were humbled and “very happy” with Inverell’s support.
The juniors will play at 10.15am, the women at 12.15pm and the men take on the Nomads at 2pm.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
