Soldiers rally for an ill comrade
Linton Military Camp is rallying around a terminally ill soldier in an effort to raise money to help his family make the most of the time they have left together.
Staff Sergeant Neilroy Mcgregor was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour while on deployment in Sinai in April.
Mcgregor was given only 14 months to live, and has come home for treatment and to fight for as much more time with his family as possible.
It’s not the kind of battle Mcgregor trained for, but his Defence Force comrades-in-arms are rallying to his side with fundraisers and support.
A Givealittle page has been set up to raise money to help the Mcgregors get in a few more memorable holidays, as well as pay for unfunded treatments – and Linton Military Camp personnel are throwing a Relay for Life-style fundraiser at the army base next week in support.
Warrant Officer 2 Lisa Harrison, a long-time family friend, said Mcgregor helped many people over his 21-year career and the family was inundated with well-wishers wanting to do the same for him. ‘‘Neilroy and [his wife] Kate really appreciated it, but it was getting overwhelming,’’ Harrison said. So Harrison and Sergeant Daniel Martin, who served with Mcgregor in Sinai, offered to help co-ordinate the assistance.
‘‘We decided to organise one big event so people can show their support, and the aroha and respect we all feel for them.’’