The family of Ryan Medley says it is “blown away” by the amount of love, support and best wishes from the Dubbo and wider community following his injury while playing in Dubbo CYMS’ reserve grade match on Sunday.
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Twenty-eight year-old Medley was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital where he underwent surgery on Sunday night on a fracture to his C5 vertebrae and damage to his spinal cord.
The injury occurred in a tackle following a regulation hit-up from Medley in the Group 11 match, his first game of rugby league in roughly six years.
The Ryan Medley Appeal was set up Tuesday evening and in just over 12 hours there was more than $20,000 donated to Medley and his family to help with the financial burden involved with such a serious injury.
As well as the funds donated, messages have of support have poured in, both to the Medleys directly and on social media.
“The level of love, support and well wishes from the community both near and far has completely blown our family away and we are forever grateful for the support,” Medley’s brother Shane said in a statement on behalf of the family and Ryan’s wife Casey.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The Appeal was launched by the Dubbo CYMS rugby league club in conjunction with the Dubbo CYMS cricket club, of which Medley is the first grade captain, the Dubbo CYMS Old Boys, St John’s Junior Rugby League and South Dubbo Rotary while there were also a number of private individuals and businesses who were involved and got the ball rolling with the donations.
A target of $150,000 has been set and Marty Nelson, president of CYMS’ cricket club and also a member of the rugby league club, was proud to see so many people helping.
“He’s a fantastic kid and they’re a fantastic and well-respected family so this is the least we can do to support them,” he said.
“There’s a lot of people who want to help and this way we can support the family with the financial burden now and through the rehab.”
Th extent of Medley’s injuries are not yet known following the insertion of rods to support his C5 vertebrae and alleviate some of the swelling on his spine but it appears the well-known local sportsman has a long road ahead of him.
Shane Medley said “we simply don’t know them” when talking about the effects of the injury but added everyone was remaining positive.
“Ryan, like any other challenge that has been put before him, will attack this with determination, sheer willpower and the positive attitude he is well renowned for,” he said.
Nelson stated everyone was still in shock but support has come from at home in Dubbo to overseas locations while NRL community officers have already visited Medley in hospital and given their support on behalf of the game’s governing body.
The Wellington Cowboys club announced on Tuesday night all the money raised from its jersey auction after the June 17 Tackling Indigenous Smoking round match with Macquarie will be donated to the Ryan Medley Appeal while the Dubbo Kangaroos rugby club, where Medley has played in the past, will have donation buckets at its upcoming home matches and has called on as many people as possible to help out.
On top of that, and in a true indication of how well known Medley is, West Indian cricketer Carlos Brathwaite has revealed he will send some signed memorabilia to raffle off due to the fact he plays in England where former CYMS cricketer Stuart Naden resides.
A signed NSW Blues jersey will also be on offer while one of the biggest items put forward was 10 tickets for a private suite at State of Origin game two at Sydney at $2000 each.
That all comes on top of a huge number of other individuals, sporting organisations and businesses have also pledged support.
“Our message to Ryan is that we’re all behind him, supporting him,” Dubbo CYMS chairman Kevin Walkom said.
“Ryan is a great man and his family are a great family who have contributed to Dubbo city and the community over many years and the sporting fraternity. Everyone is right behind you and our prayers are with you.
“Moving forward, we hope our goal of $150,000 is achieved in the short term and there will be other fundraising and community events to assist Ryan and his family.”
Walkom also took time to thank the NRL for not only getting in touch with Medley but also both CYMS and the Wellington Cowboys, the two clubs playing when the injury occurred, to offer support to all the players.
More information can be found and donations can be made via the Dubbo CYMS website www.dubbocyms.com.au or through the Ryan Medley Appeal page on Facebook.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
