SUNSHINE Football Club will hold a fundraising event to help club legend Darren Green who received spinal injuries after a freak accident in his backyard swimming pool recently.
The club games record holder and lifetime member was saved by his partner, Lisa Wall, after he dived into the pool and hit his head on the bottom of the pool on May 9.
Lisa, her son and daughter pulled Green out of the pool, only to discover he was not breathing and had no pulse.
Lisa, a nurse, administered CPR until emergency services arrived, and in all likelihood saved her partner’s life.
Green’s battle is far from over, however, with the accident leaving him with severe spinal injuries.
He initially faced the prospect of not being able to walk again, however after a week in intensive care at The Alfred hospital, Green moved to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, where his condition has vastly improved.
Lisa said Green had some movement back, and was able to perform basic tasks.
“He’s started to walk, and he’s got some use of his arms, but its minimal,” she said.
“He’s walking with assistance, and he’s able to eat by himself. He can’t hold a pen or anything yet, though.”
Lisa said despite the serious nature of the injuries, Green has re-mained upbeat throughout his rehabilitation.
“He’s a pretty positive person, he seems to be on top of it most of the time. The frustration is what gets you down,” she said.
Green is a popular figure throughout the Sunshine community, and is a legend at the Sunshine Football Club.
The Sunshine FC games record holder and lifetime member, Green has played 427 games there since his debut in 1980.
Before the accident, Green ran his own roof tiling business, but it is unclear if he will be able to return to the workforce.
The club, recognising the financial hardship Green’s family faces, has organised a fundraiser to aid his recovery.
Taking place on 26th July, a Sportsmen’s panel will provide the entertainment while a charity auction will raise the much-needed money.
Sunshine club president Mark Grech said a number of big name stars have been confirmed for the event, including Hawthorn players Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead, kickboxer Stan ‘The Man’ Longinidis, and comedian Gab Rossi.
Grech said 100 per cent of proceedings would go towards helping Green and his family.
“He’s a fighter, we think he’ll get out of it,” Grech said.
People interested in attending the fundraiser can contact Nathan Wilson on 0430 280 841.
