The Port Stephens community has banded together to help a young rugby league player after he was hospitalised with a serious head injury last month.
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During a game with Mallabula Panthers Junior Rugby League team on August 5, Riley Coburn-Hall, 13, received a head injury which caused him to have a stroke.
Riley, from Lemon Tree Passage, is currently in Westmead Children’s Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
To help Riley and his family on the long road to recovery, the Panthers and his school, Hunter River High, began fund-raising.
Both have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, and donations, they have received in the past three weeks.
As of the weekend (August 25-26), the junior Panthers club has raised more than $9000 for Riley thanks to donations form individuals, clubs, groups and businesses in Port Stephens and beyond.
Players from Morpeth’s under-14 rugby league team, who were opposing Riley’s under-14 Panthers team on August 5, donated $250 to the cause.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all,” Mallabula Panthers JRLFC posted to its Facebook page with an update on how much money has been raised.
“Keep the momentum rolling. It's going to be a long road for this family and every little cent will make a difference.”
On August 18, staff and students from Hunter River High School held a jersey day to raise money.
Students and staff donated a gold coin and wore a jersey.
A barbecue, manned by Riley’s team and club mates, ran all day.
The sausages were donated by Steak and Chops, Tanilba Bay and Goodwins Butchery, Lemon Tree Passage, the bread by Paul's Bakehouse, Tanilba Bay and sauces by Cookabarra Restaurant, Bobs Farm.
The school community raised $3000 from the day, which also included a visit from Newcastle Knights NRL player Jack Stockwell.
“Jack took time out of his busy schedule, coming straight from Knights training... to pose for photos with students and meet with Riley's year 8 class and Mallabula Panthers under-141 teammates,” Kerrie Howells, Hunter River High’s community liaison officer, said.
“Jack spoke to the class on a very personal level about how he could relate to what they may be feeling, as he had grown up with Knights player Alex McKinnon.
“The two had gone to school together and also grew up playing footy together as youngsters and at the Knights.
“The advice he shared with the class and team, was to always be there for Riley, explaining his experience with Alex taught him, he will need his mates, not just now and during his recovery, but always.”
The school is running a raffle for a signed Knights jersey, with money raised going to Riley.
Tickets are available to buy from the school’s front office or from centre management at MarketPlace Raymond Terrace.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
