Following the news that our friend and fellow member Graham Matthews lost his legs and hands to a viral infection, the USU and our members at Liverpool Council did what we always do – asked “How can we help?”
USU General Secretary Graeme Kelly and the USU Executive donated a weekend at our Aquatic Park Caravan Park in Port Macquarie to raise funds in a raffle and also donated a special 5 day holiday to Graham once he is fit and ready to enjoy a holiday.
Knowing Graham and his tenacity that will not take long. Since his illness, he has been through five surgeries, losing his lower legs and all the fingers on both hands.
Graham has his sixth, and hopefully final operation this Thursday.
He has been learning to walk with prostheses, and has great confidence for the future. Graham hopes to return to work sometime in 2018.
Graham is a long-standing and active member of the USU – and the union, along with members – salute him. He has been a member of the USU for over 10 years and in that time he stood with other members – attending meetings, taking strike and stop-work action and respected union picket lines.
Now his fellow members are standing by him – that’s what we do!
To support their mate, USU members raised another $750 at a BBQ event attended by Graeme Kelly on 31 May.
Graham Matthews has sent his thanks which we want to pass onto every member:
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to you, Sandie, the union delegates and members who have contributed to fundraising for me. I am deeply humbled.”
To support their mate, USU members raised another $750 at a BBQ event attended by Graeme Kelly on 31 May.
To support their mate, USU members raised another $750 at a BBQ event attended by Graeme Kelly on 31 May.
