0
As most of you will be aware by now, one of our most loved, respected and talented senior players, Tamati Timoka was brutally attacked by a gang of thugs walking home from the Whale and Ale last Saturday night. This disgusting and cowardly assault left "T" fighting for his life in hospital Sunday morning in an induced coma and fractures to his left cheek and eye socket. It was a completely unprovoked act of violence by this group of individuals, who for no reason, other than mindless rage, have struck him in the head with an unknown weapon.
For those who know T, understand he is a very quietly spoken, respectable and gentle man who is always smiling and helping other players in our club. A dedicated family man, Tamati has a wonderful partner in Amy and a beautiful 6-month daughter called Jade. They and his parents (Lyn and Tommy) have been by his bedside everyday. Along with their love and the care and concern of our club and the community, coupled with his extreme good health and physical fitness, Tamati is recovering steadily. He is not out of the woods yet, as here is still some concern with his left eye. Due to the fractures, swelling to the left side of his face it's making it difficult for his Surgeons and Specialists to ascertain if there is any permanent or long term damage or worse case scenario, loss of sight in the left eye. We are all praying this is not the case.
To help Tamati and his family through this difficult time, the Senior players and committee got together last Tuesday night to come up with some fund raising ideas.
• First off a bucket was pass around, which raised $1350 cash, which we delivered to the family on Wednesday.
• The second suggestion was to "shake tins and/or buckets" this weekend at the various rugby pitches around Perth. The other rugby clubs have welcomed this idea and have given us permission to do so at their grounds.
So on Saturday, if you see our volunteers and you have some spare coins or notes, please place them in the buckets, as you will be helping a Brother in need. Alternatively you can make a donation via direct deposit into the Clubs bank, noting "Tamati" in the remarks column. The details are as follows:
Account Name: Joondalup Brothers RUFC
BSB: 036-231
Account: 151310
We have a fund raising committee set up, headed by Phil Bedworth. If you would like to volunteer or help out, please email Phil on phil@joondalupbrothers.com
As you can imagine, the media has been all over this story since Sunday, chasing comments from our club. Obviously we are all disappointed this violent attack has happened, but rather than focusing on the perpetrators and the criminal acts that have taken place, we as a club are choosing to channel our energy into helping and support Tamati and his family. To help contain and communicate the right message to the media, I have been nominated as spokesman for both the club and the family at their request. If you are approached by the media for comment, please direct them my way. My mobile number is 0433 326 886.
Team / Club we have seen the worse kind of human behavior by a minority, however we as the majority can all be part of the best kind of human behavior and that is care and compassion for a Brother in need.
On behalf of Tamati, his family and the Joondalup Brothers Rugby Union Football Club, we all greatly appreciate all the love and support you can give during this challenging time.
Kind Regards
Shane Kempton
Club Captain
Joondalup Brothers RUFC
M. 0433 326 886
E. clubcaptain@joondalupbrothers.com
W. www.joondalupbrothers.com
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by zed
