northern rivers fundraiser a huge success

Participants of the Kerri Wagner Fundraiser dug deep during the Scott Campbell School to raise an amazing $6000. The 2 day clinic included 12 particpants and just as many fence sitters. From Snaffle Bit to 09 Futurity horses and seasoned competitors, their efforts were all in favour of Kerri Wagner, sister of Roger, Wendy, Michael, and Peter.

The Kerri Wagner story goes like this………
As a 12 year old girl, living on Philip Island, she was knocked down and dragged under the car by a hit and run driver, who later revealed himself to be a drunk driver. Kerri died 3 times between the scene and the hospital, and now some 37 years later, complains very little of the pain and suffering she had to endure for the majority of that 37 years. Kerri is one of the most light hearted and pleasant people anyone could enjoy a conversation with, she loves a ‘ribbing’ and will give as good as she gets. Its hard not to love everything about this girl and admire her for what she has had to experience. She lives in the small country town of Bundara, and shares a very humble home with her Grandmother of 96 years young, and a very gorgeous young girl named Libby, who doubles as her best friend and daughter.
The most acute of all her injuries was her right leg, which despite many operations, was removed just 4 years ago, below the knee. Little if any compensation was paid out and a poor public system found Kerri with a prosthetic that caused pressure sores and caused unbearable pain for her to get about.

In January of this year, during Kim Campbell’s 40th birthday, professional trainer Deb Wilson, and daughter Alexis came up with the idea of running a clinic to raise money for an up market prosthetic for Kerri. This raised some $2500, and followed with an offer from trainer Scott Campbell to give his time if the Northern Rivers Club would like to host a clinic.

One of the most overwhelming things I experienced during the fund raiser, were the donations made by virtual strangers, people who did not know Kerri, but were motivated by her story. The initiative by those people was an indication of those particular people, the majority of donation of course, came from people who did know Kerri, and this is a reflection of the person she is.

That then brings us up to date except for the fact that many people need to be recognized for their efforts towards the $6000 raised by NRCHC. Lets start with the Cattle suppliers who it would be impossible to run a clinic without, Les and Jim Dickinson of Crown Pastoral, Allan Boyd for arranging and mustering, Jennifer Kearney for scanning, and Ken Dudgeon for providing his truck. Wendy Magnuson (sister), for the magnificent meat on Saturday night. Rob and Collette greer for what they asked me NOT to mention. The majority of the NRCHC committee, namely Allen Hunter and Julie for the donation of money and their time in administration over the weekend. Tony Veares who gave out foot and shoulder massages during the weekend, my good friend Derek who is always there to help me no matter what. The Wetzler family who tended to my home duties enabling me to move cattle and get other things done. Kim Rogan, and her $2 game who raised $108 in less than an hour. All of the other behind the scenes people right down to the young girls from Casino who sold raffle tickets at our Casino show.
The participants who, without you there would have been no fundraiser:-
Julie Whadsworth, Judy Carn, Travis Wetzler,
Rod and Janet Wetzler, Fran O’Dea, Rob Greer,
Judy Sheather, Leanne Haywood, Michelle Fuit,
James Roemermann and Kim Rogan

Our fund raising efforts will culminate in the drawing of the raffle, a jacket donated by Rob and Colette, on the Friday night of the Toowoomba Futurity. Jointly with the clubs down south, we have raised over $8500 so far towards the $17000 needed for Kerri’s new prosthetic.
Riders might also be interested to know that Scott is contemplating a second 2 day clinic encompassing Mechanical Cow use, herd help, dry work, and of course a point dear to all of us, working with stale cattle. Fees will be less due to the fact that cattle will not be needed, and more participants can be included as the last school was booked out. Please see me if you would like to nominate for this.

Finally, I would like to thank the members of the NRCHC for your support in covering the trainers air fares and the fuel for the 2 cattle trucks.

Words and Pictures by Bill Cox

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