Keep an eye out in the Flegg squad for young Harry Hanley from Group 3. Has a big motor and top attitude. Sure to impress.
Thanks for the heads up. He sounds like a good kid.
https://www.portnews.com.au/story/4760806/vikings-set-to-help-one-of-their-own/
TWO months ago everything was put into perspective for Hastings Valley Vikings junior forward Harry Hanley (middle).
His family received the devastating news that his father, Phil, had been diagnosed with a stage four brain tumour and his days were numbered.
“It’s a rare type of cancer,” Hanley said.
“They can’t operate on it anymore because if they do they might kill him so at the moment it’s just about preventing the tumour from growing.”
If that wasn’t enough of a blindside for the family, they were told further bad news.
“He’s got two different tumours which effects his speech so he finds it hard to communicate and he walks with a bit of a limp and bumps into things and holds plates downwards.”
While the Hanleys were told Phil had just 14 months to live at the time, the 17-year-old said his dad was focused on proving everyone wrong.
“They can’t operate on it anymore because if they do they might kill him so at the moment it’s just about preventing the tumour from growing.”
“He was in good spirits about it and said he’d live way longer than that. He doesn’t seem sad at all, he just seems like his normal self at home.”
The number eight admitted it had been a tough time for the family, but they remained positive.
“When we got told he had months to live mum got us all together and we had a bit of a cry about it, but we just take it day by day and spend as much time with him as possible,” he said.
“We help him out and make the most of it as best we can.”
On Saturday, the Vikings and Port Pirates will clash on a day dominated by fundraisers.
The Vikings first grade side will wear specially designed jerseys for Homes for Heroes – a program focused on getting returned serviceman off the streets.
Money raised from the jerseys to be donated to that charity.
All other sales at the ground from food and beverages will be donated to the Hanley family with the club also organising a jumping castle for the day.
Children will be charged $5 for all-day use with the funds also to be donated to the Hanley family.
“Saturday will be a big help for the family because mum and dad have always wanted to renovate the house so I’m sure the money will go towards that,” Hanley said.
