The Armidale community turned out in droves for a special benefit day at the Armidale Greyhound Course on Saturday. Dane O’Connor was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma late last year. The seventh most common form of cancer in Australia, it usually affects older people – Dane is only 30.
The popular Armidale Blues Rugby player is a Regional Manager with New England Mutual and the father of three young children. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and said that his battle is going well.
Dane’s own dog “Surfin’ Tears” competed in race two of the 10 race event, placing third. Fellow local dog “Cabbaroo” (No. 2) came first in a time of 21:28. “Cool Hand Coote” came second. The margins were three quarters and four and three quarters respectively.
“Surfin’ Tears”, better known as the family pet Bluey, won its first race on O’Connor’s 30th birthday last year.
Already the O’Connor family has received financial assistance from New England Mutual and its staff and NEM has set up a Dane O’Connor Appeal Account (BSB 932000/ACC 724 865) at its local branches.
This week a group of supporters from NEM, the Armidale Rugby Club, the Armidale Ex-Services Club and local businesses SportsPower Armidale, Forsyths, McDonalds and Armidale Greyhounds gathered to plan the 10 race event. Representatives of these organisations and a diverse cross-section of the Armidale community attended the benefit day at the dogs. Up to 500 attended the benefit day, including a large contingent of children.
“I think it was possibly the biggest day we’ve ever had,” Armidale Greyhound Racing Club President, Garry Carson said.
“The Greyhound Association generously agreed to host the benefit on a regular race day because of Dane’s involvement in the sport and because he’s such an all round good bloke,” said NEM CEO Kevin Dupé.
It was a family day out, with a merry-go-round, jumping castles and events for kids. One race was even delayed by a snake on the track. Courageous race officials were applauded after ushering the snake off the track.
There were sponsors for the races. That money will go directly to the appeal, along with the proceeds of raffles, auction items and a donation from the Greyhound Association. Sponsors of individual races were Forsyths, McDonalds, Hardman’s, The Ex-Services Club, the Armidale Blues Rugby Club, Allianz Insurance, Kevin Dupé and Bill Miller and APJ Law.
O’Connor is considered a stalwart of the Armidale Blues who captained 2nd Grade, coached the Under 13s and was Club Treasurer for five years. “He’s one of those people who has always made a contribution. Now, the community has stepped up to help him out at a very difficult time for him and his family,” Mr Dupé said.
While the fundraising (and counting) is ongoing, it is understood that close to $10,000 was raised through the greyhound benefit day for Dane O’Connor and his family.
Story: Gary Fry
