LOCALS raised $40,000 at a recent benefit night for Aaron Dalley, the Bonnells Bay man who lost his hands and feet to a near-fatal streptococcus infection last year.
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Mr Dalley’s sister, Nicole Weekes, said it was an overwhelming response and an extraordinary evening at Morisset Country Club.
Mr Dalley, who is now back at home, and adjusting to life in a wheelchair, made a surprising entrance to the function.
“Nobody knew, but Aaron walked into the room with a frame and his new prosthetic feet,” Ms Weekes said.
“I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place.”
She said it was an emotional night, but most of the tears shed were through laughter.
Guest speakers Doug Walters, Brett Kenny and Max Krillich were a highlight of the evening. Terry Lamb was ill and could not attend, so Krillich, the former Manly and Australian rugby league hooker, proved a valuable replacement.
“Max was a very funny bloke, and he and Brett Kenny worked really well together,” Ms Weekes said.
Walters, the former Test cricket star, was also at his laconic best.
Ms Weekes said the money raised would enable her brother to buy and modify a van-type vehicle suited to transporting his wheelchair easily.
She thanked the 340-odd people who attended, and made special mention of The Bay Hotel publican, Peter Cullen, who donated a stack of sporting memorabilia to be auctioned, then bought the lot back.
Mr Cullen then gifted some of the Newcastle Knights’ items to Mr Dalley, a keen supporter of the NRL club.
“Aaron and I will be forever grateful to everyone involved,” Ms Weekes said.
“It was completely overwhelming and humbling. People really dug deep.
“It was a massive night, and a massive undertaking.”
All 340 tickets to the function were sold before the event.
A few extras were admitted on the night, having travelled considerable distance to be with Mr Dalley.
“Aaron was exhausted the next day,” Ms Weekes said.
Simply walking to the toilet became a 15-minute journey for her brother on the night – and not because of any problem with his new prosthetics.
“There were just so many people there, and they’d stop him and want to have a chat.”
The siblings have a wicked sense of humour, and the banter between them didn’t stop after the benefit night.
The next morning, Ms Weekes quipped: “Well, surprisingly people like you.”
She said even people who don’t know Aaron had been touched by his story and resilience.
“People realise that maybe their life isn’t that bad if Aaron can get through his situation.
“Aaron is inspiring others, but he hates that word. He says ‘I’m not doing anything special’,” she said.
“But I told him ‘Yes, you do. You’re getting on with it’.”
