AN incredible 160 bowlers turned out at Nelson Bay Bowling Club to support the Sporting Hope Association in raising funds for Medowie boy Dylan and his family who desperately need a car with a chair lift.

Dylan has nodular heterotopia, which leaves Dylan blind, unable to walk, talk, sit, and he also has no gait muscles.

Dylan also suffers from epileptic seizures on a daily basis.

The social bowls day saw a different vibe on the greens with music playing; many players on the greens were barefoot.

Dylan, his mother and brother and six grandparents were there to see the community support.

Football greats John Peard and John Toohey drove up from Sydney and were there to support Dylan’s family.

John Toohey told News Of The Area, “Life’s not fair, everyone should get an even chance on the playing field and when you see a family dealing with what Dylan’s are it makes sense to help out.”

Sporting Hope’s committee member Jim Hall told News Of The Area, “We are hoping to raise enough funds to acquire a vehicle with a lift for Dylan and his family.”

“There has been tremendous support from the community with 160 bowlers participating in the day, and 200 attending the lunch,” he said.

Helen Scott, another committee member, said that “there were over $10,000 in raffle and silent auction prizes from local businesses all to aid in the fundraising”.

Dylan’s family desperately needs the vehicle with a lift to get him to and from medical appointments and to his classes at the special education unit at Tomaree Education Precinct.

Sporting Hope is wanting to raise $35,000 for Dylan and will continue to take donations for the cause.

You can contact them by emailing jimhall@bigpond.com.au.

 

By Marian SAMPSON