BOMBETTES ARE ALE AND HEARTY
THE Burleigh Bombettes sit on top of the QFAW Division 1 ladder but it’s the work the team are doing off field that is even more inspiring.
After an away trip to Jindalee, the Bombettes ignored sore and tired bodies to raise funds for a Gold Coast family in need.
Charli Flannery is the only child in Australia and one of only five worldwide living with an extremely rare neurodegenerative condition which is likened to having both motor neurone disease and spinal muscular atrophy combined.
She has spent most of her short life in hospital and had to be sedated some days to give her body a break from the pain until her family discovered dogs were the ultimate cure to her pain.
The Bombettes got wind of her family’s campaign to raise enough money to buy and train and therapy dog, prompting senior player Brianna Heaney to organise a fundraising event for the family.
“Originally our coach Brent (Male) brought it to our attention as he used to teach Charli’s siblings,” she said.
“He said he was going to run 3km a day until he raised enough money to help get her home (from hospital) and invited us to join in but then we started thinking of other ideas.
“Two of the girls work for Stone and Wood brewery and managed to get a keg donated so we worked it from there and had a social event after our game. Drinking beer is easier than running laps.”
The Bombettes raised almost $1000 for the family who were all in attendance to see the club’s effort in action as they spent the night downing their “karma keg”.
“We were sore from our game and the three-hour round road trip but to see what that family is going through and what they had to go through just to get Charli to the event put things in perspective,” Heaney said.
“We’d like to think that our culture and values have always set us apart and we were just happy to help.”
Heaney also heaped praise on first-year coach Male, who highlighted Charli’s struggle and also steered the team to first on the ladder this year.
“He’s been amazing,” she said. “His skill and experience have really helped us this year and we have a strong side because of it.”
The Bombettes continue their QFAW Division 1 campaign today against Kedron from 4.45pm at Bill Godfrey Oval, Burleigh.
DRINKING BEER IS EASIER THAN RUNNING LAPS.
– BRIANNA HEANEY