|
Supporters rush to assist Michael Berry |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Monday, 28 November 2005 |
People from all over the Hinterland and as far as Sydney have rallied to support Maleny media identity Michael Berry after both his legs were recently amputated below the knee.
Scores of residents have opened their hearts and their wallets to Michael and his wife Faith Baigent after last week's article in The Range News, for which Michael writes The Drum column.
Maleny's Sammy Ringer and Marek Malter have opened a fundraising account at the Maleny Credit Union (details follow) and started a database of volunteers with time, energy and equipment who want to support one of Maleny's greatest supporters. Already, a tree surgeon, builders and expert weed pullers have offered their services.
| Michael Berry at Princess Alexandra Hopital Brisbane
on Monday November 21. |
Marek and Sammy have started to raise money to help Faith and Michael remodel their house to allow Michael to do such simple things as showering and going to his office. Many tasks like gardening or cleaning gutters will also need to be outsourced.
Local artists, typically, have offered generous support putting together a fundraising auction on Sunday December 18 at the Maleny Community Centre. Watch The Range News for details. Kim Oxley and Jane Caraffi have offered to co-ordinate the auction and contact other artists. Peter Hudson, Nan Paterson and Kevin Oxley quickly offered to contribute.
Marek Malter and Sammy Ringer are co-ordinating the help lists and so far Colin Dodd, Rob Parker and Kent Blackwell (builders), Rid Kennedy (ute), Bob Johnston (chainsaws) and Gabor Farkas (tree surgeon) have offered their services.
Faith said: "I am overwhelmed by the offers of love and support we have had from the people of Maleny. It's been a nightmare three-year journey for us that just got worse and worse. I don't think anyone realised the incredible pain Michael was in."
Michael, 59 was founding producer of the ABC's 7.30 report, a producer of 4 Corners, and executive producer of the Hypothetical program.
He moved to Maleny 13 years ago and has been a staunch supporter of this town and its community spirit.
In the past three years his support has not waned, despite Michael's poor health.
The Maleny Credit Union Account for those who would like to donate funds to refit Michael and Faith's house is - J1418S1 (Malter M & Ringer S - M Berry Fundraiser Account). For electronic transmissions BSB 70-5-606 Account No 9991418S1.
FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY:
A reader from the Uniter Kingdom, Glenis Preater sent the following eMail to the Hinterlandgrapevine to express her thoughts about Michael.
This is an enquiry e-mail from Glenis Preater (gpreater@aol.com)
"This is to let your readers know that Michael's friends in the UK are thinking about him even though we are many thousands of miles away. We were all good friends before Michael and his family emigrated 40 years ago, but have kept in touch."
|
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 September 2006 )
|
Range News 2005 - ON 
