Nelson Bay Junior Rugby League Club held the first of two fundraising days at its Salamander home last Saturday, kitting out all team players with specially designed sponsored jumpers as part of a major charity event.
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Day two will take place this Saturday at the same junior league fields in support of Motor Neurone Disease NSW and Nelson Bay father of eight Steve Lingard, who was diagnosed with the illness in September 2017.
A rugby league tragic originally from the Parramatta district, Lingard moved to the Bay 26 years ago where he took a keen interest in watching his children play sport and a willingness to lend a helping hand both on and off the field.
Without MND NSW, life would be a struggle for the Lingard family both at home and on football days.
"We were contacted by the organisation within the first couple of weeks of Steve's diagnosis. Before we knew it Steve was part of the MND clinic at John Hunter Hospital, receiving weekly deliveries of equipment including electric wheelchair, lifters, bed and more," said Steve's wife, Jacki.
"We were provided with opportunities to help out, as well as counselling support for our kids and our friends.
"We were also provided help in our application for NDIS funding, which has eased the burden on daily life particularly after Steve had to give up work."
The Lingard family say they have been overwhelmed with the support from the Nelson Bay Junior Rugby League Club and the Port Stephens business community, and are grateful to the many businesses who sponsored jumpers for the weekend games.
"The club and its members have been a massive support to us financially and by showing care and compassion, making us feel we are not alone on this journey," Jacki said.
"We are also grateful to the abundance of people volunteering their time to help, including the Men of League."
Steve Lingard attended last Saturday's round of matches at Salamander, presenting the under 16s with their jumpers and the players responded in spades, running out easy winners over their opponents, 38-0 in front of their parochial home fans.
A car wash was carried out by the under 17s at the Anna Bay BP on Sunday, raising an additional $380.
Another big crowd is expected at Salamander for this Saturday's round, where once again players will don their sponsored jumpers in support of MND and the Lingard family.
