Hidden pain behind volunteer’s passion
FOR 15 years Kris Ashby has spent every winter weekend volunteering at the local rugby league club he now calls his second family.
For the past 14 years he’s done so after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
It’s the open secret only Ashby’s closest friends at Ormeau Shearers are aware of as the 44-year-old father-oftwo devotes upwards of 24 hours a weekend volunteering at the club. With the support of his wife Erica, herself a prominent volunteer, Ashby has served as a junior head and assistant coach, fundraiser, barbecue pit boss, timekeeper and club LeagueSafe officer – a role he jokingly compares to Alfie Langer’s on the field with the Brisbane Broncos.
As the physical toll of his illness climbs his responsibilities have adjusted but Ashby says he’ll never give it up.
“I’ve always been a league supporter and follower, so when my eldest Kye started in 2006 in under-7s I thought what better way to share in that part of his life than to get involved,” he said.
“But you don’t just do it for your own kids. Other parents might ‘drop and run’ but I like to spend time and teach them the game so they can learn what they’re there for
“Community and team spirit, that’s why I did it, and it turns into a family. We’ve made some lifetime friends over 15 years.”
Ashby was initially diagnosed with MS in 2007 but was able to continue as normal before his mobility became a challenge.
“I had a good run there until a few years back, when I couldn’t run or walk as fast as I wanted,” Ashby said.
“I don’t often use a cane so many people at the club wouldn’t even know but if they ask it’s no secret.
“If I’m feeling good and it’s early. I’m independent but when I get tired and fatigued, that’s when it hits.
“I’m no superman but I wanted to be there, put in my bit and help the club out.
“Just being on the gate and greeting people, talking to people and putting them in the right attitude as they walk through so they can enjoy their day, that’s what I really love.
“I’ll always have the club in my heart and if my boys aren’t playing I’ll always come down and watch the younger kids come through.”
In recognition of his service to the club Ashby gained life membership last year.