WHEN we chose Corporal Adam Westwood as the winner of a Facebook giveaway competition, we couldn’t believe his story.
Adam is currently on location as a soldier and was seeking donations for a fundraiser. He said he would donate the photo to help raise funds for his friend, who was injured in battle.
As a lifelong Demon supporter, we sent Adam the Ron Barassi signed photo, plus another photo, a signed guernsey by the team and a cap. Adam graciously donated the guernsey and signed photo to the auction.
Adam said: “I am very pleased to say that $3,500 was raised from the sale of the Ron Barassi photo and the signed team guernsey, which I am very happy to say I am now the proud owner of.”
All funds raised from the night will go towards helping Adam’s mate, Sapper Curtis 'Kiwi' McGrath, with his rehabilitation.
On August 23, ‘Kiwi’ was taking part in an operation as an Engineer Searcher when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
His mates very quickly came to his aid and with their efforts were able to save his life. He was evacuated and received medical care before being flown to Germany for endless bouts of surgery. Unfortunately, ‘Kiwi’ had both legs amputated, one below and the other above the knee.
Adam said: “He has made an incredible recovery, so far, but has a long way to go. He is an inspiration to many. He so wanted to be able to welcome his mates home at the start of December that he had prosthetic legs fitted to ensure he could stand. Incredibly, with two of his mates beside him, ‘Kiwi’ marched as part of the welcome home parade.”
“On behalf of all the members of the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, I'd like to thank you and the MFC for the fantastic donations that, with the money raised, will help ‘Kiwi’ with his rehabilitation. After not being able to watch much of this season, I can't wait to be home and see the guys back in action for 2013!”
Club helps Corporal Westwood raise funds
When we chose Corporal Adam Westwood as the winner of a Facebook competition, we couldn’t believe his story