League heroes embrace brothers after father's death
BY TYRON BUTSON
27/08/2009 4:00:00 AM
THEY weren't the Rabbitohs but they were still "pretty cool" to four little boys who need all the help they can get.Rugby league stars including Parramatta legend Nathan Hindmarsh and Manly title winner Matt Orford, gathered at The Bay Hotel at Bonnells Bay last night to raise money for the Dunsdon brothers, who lost their father Mark in a house fire on July 30.
Zachariah, 9, twins Talon andMarcus, 8, and Solomon, 7, were raised as South Sydney supporters by their die-hard Bunnies fan father.
But they were still impressed with all the fuss.
"It's pretty cool, it's good to meet them," Talon said.
Single father Mr Dunsdon, 41, had raised his sons despite being left partially blind in a trail bike accident several years ago.
Since his death, his mother Carole has taken the boys in.
Eels fullback, Newcastle-raised Luke Burt said he was pleased to lend a hand even if he was going to have to convert the boys.
"Anything like this where we can lend a hand and do some good is great," he said.
"They're doing a great job and it's great to play a part and meet everyone."
Jockey and media identity Allan "Robbo" Robinson teamed with The Bay Hotel publican Pete Cullen to organise last night's event.
Robinson said he and his two children Jye and Maddie had done their best to befriend the boys and to help the family where they could.
Organisers were still counting how much had been raised last night. The money will go to a trust fund for the Dunsdon children.
Mr Dunsdon's mother Carole said she was amazed by the support.
"The boys are our main focus now, but I just don't know how we would have been able to do it without all of the support we've got from everyone in the community," she said.
"I'm blown away. People have been so wonderful, we're so grateful, but you never expect all this."
Donations to the trust fund can be made to Westpac at Morisset or call the Salvation Army office on 4929 5273.
