Aberdeen Tigers’ favourite son Alex McKinnon is not the only person from the Upper Hunter club to benefit from rugby league’s generosity.
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While the NRL successfully hosted the RiseForAlex round at the weekend, a smaller organisation recently put a smile on the face on seven-year-old Coby Hurd.
The Men of League Upper Hunter branch, which formed mid-2013, heard about the Aberdeen youngster’s health issues – and decided to help out.
Their assistance was greatly appreciated by Coby’s mum, and Tigers women’s league tag player, Natalie.
“They’ve been terrific,” she told the Hunter Valley News.
“Coby suffers from cystic fibrosis and also has a liver disease.
“She’s been assessed for a transplant.
“My women’s league tag coach Albert Aubrey notified the Upper Hunter branch of the Men of League about my situation.
“And, before I knew it, they presented Coby with an iPad and myself with $1000 worth of fuel vouchers to help cover travel costs.
“My daughter is in hospital a lot, so the gift will release some of the boredom during those lengthy visits.”
To say Ms Hurd was overwhelmed by the gesture is an understatement.
“They’ve been awesome,” she said of the Men of League.
“I didn’t realise they had been set up to provide support for people other than first grade players and NRL stars.
“We go to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle every four weeks and it costs me about $70 to fill up the car.
“So, the fuel vouchers will make a big difference to me, especially being a single mum.
“I can’t thank them enough; or Albert and his wife Simone.”
The Men of League Upper Hunter branch is now busy planning a number of local fundraising events.
A trivia night will take place at the Muswellbrook RSL Club on September 13, to be followed by a bowls day at Scone on October 18.
For more details about the Upper Hunter branch, or if you’d like to assist the organisation, phone president Peter Ford on 0421 805 235.