Family plan Dean tribute

a mermaid. “They gave us hope,” said Sereia’s mother Sharron Sheining.

After a successful bone marrow transplant Sereia was given a family holiday to Fitzroy Island on the Great Barrier Reef and finally became a mermaid in tropical waters. THE family of ironman legend Dean Mercer has a simple goal as they prepare to host up to 2000 mourners at his funeral – to honour a man as much as a sporting hero.

“It’s about Dean the man,” family friend Ian Hanson said of tomorrow’s service that will be held at Carrara’s Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

“Of course Deano was a lifesaver but it’s going to very much be a family service.

“(His brother) Darren is going to speak, as is a lifelong friend. There will be a special video tribute looking back at his early life as a boy growing up in Wollongong, as well as his life and times in the surf.

“A lot of thought has gone into this from Reen (Mercer’s wife), Darren and the family, and they really want it to be a family service.”

The Mercers have spent the past 10 days preparing to farewell the 47-year-old, who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while driving home from an early morning training session.

Mercer, who had four young sons with his ironwoman wife, was a superstar of ironman racing

Make-A-Wish Gold Coast communications co-ordinator Kristy Frew said the organisation needed ongoing support. “We rely on the generosity of our community, which we affectionately call our WishForce, to make these special wishes come true,” Ms Frew said.

in the ’80s and ’90s alongside his brother.

Darren’s daughter Jordan has also made a mark in the sport, including snaring gold at this week’s world paddleboard championships in Denmark.

With the world titles on until Sunday, Hanson said the 23-year-old would sadly miss tomorrow’s service.

“Jordie’s mum and sister will deliver a message from her (at the funeral),” he said.

“It’s going to be an emotional day ... with surf clubs also invited to bring their flags and for members to wear their caps and club shirts as a show of respect for Dean.”

Given Mercer’s status within the surf lifesaving move- ment, his family has faced several challenges in ensuring they can accommodate what is expected to be a huge crowd at his farewell.

This includes his beloved Kurrawa Surf Club running shuttle buses for its members to and from the venue and clubbies assisting with traffic control on the day.

“The most important message we have concerns parking,” Hanson said.

“We are expecting a big crowd and the absolute key to making it all work is that everyone fills the blue car park (off Alabaster Drive).”

Hanson said the Mercers continued to be amazed by the support they had received in the wake of the tragedy.

“Darren addressed us today and said the family can’t thank everyone enough for the support they’ve shown,” he said.

“He got a little bit emotional but they are really thankful for what people have done.

“That includes the entire team at the (funeral) venue ... they don’t know the ‘no’ word. They just nod their heads and make it happen.”