Gazette

Friends rally around Casey

By Melissa Grant

6th June 2007 02:00:34 AM

Casey Cherry hangs 10 during a holiday in Noosa last year before the freak motorbike accident that has confined him to a wheelchair.

TICKETS have almost sold out for Saturday’s big event that will help raise money for local man Casey Cherry, 20, and his family.

Pakenham’s own Neighbours star Pippa Black and three players from the Collingwood Football Club will headline the gala evening at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Saturday night.

Casey has been confined to a wheelchair since a freak motorcycle accident at a friend’s remote outback station 200km north of Broken Hill earlier this year.

Organiser Wendy Goldsack said 420 of 450 tickets had already been sold for the event. Tickets are $55 for a two-course meal and include an auction and performances from musical group Classical Gass.

Items to be auctioned include various items of sporting memorabilia, tickets to the Footy Show, a marquee for 10 people at the Pakenham races, a table for eight people at the president’s lunch at a Cranbourne race meting, a plasma TV, weekend hire of a BMW convertible car, vouchers, barbecues, wood heaters, a Murray River resort holiday for up to eight people and much more.

Ian Cherry said he hoped to bring his son home for the big event but was waiting for approval from medical staff at Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre.

Mr Cherry said Casey had experienced some progress in recent weeks but it was still too early to say what the future holds for his son.

“Over the last fortnight Casey has got a bit of sensation through his forearms and wrists,” he said.

“Casey has taught himself to use his arm from his biceps but has no use of his hands or his fingers.”

“It’s only sensation and minimal movement but it’s very early days.”

Mr Cherry said anything was possible after a family friend who was a quadriplegic for two years was now up and about building again.

The major fund raising event will greatly help the family, who are looking to send Casey overseas for treatment. Mr Cherry said he wanted to thank organisers and the community who have rallied to help the close-knit family through a number of fund raising events.

“I want to thank Wendy Goldsack and Alan Cherry and the rest of the committee,” he said.

“I would also like to give a big special thank-you to all of the donors.”

Payment for auction items must be made on the night but the collection of larger items can be arranged. Credit card and EFTPOS facilities will be available.

Tickets can still be purchased directly through the Cardinia Cultural Centre on 1300 887 624.