Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Hunty looks like he has been spelling in a good paddock!http://parramatta-advertiser.whereilive.com.au/news/story/photos-eels-legends-charity-and-horses/
Neil Hunt, David Liddiard, Eric Grothe and Mark Laurie. PICTURE: ARMEN DEUSHIAN
PARRAMATTAS premiership heroes of the eighties added some goodwill to their annual reunion when they lent their presence to a fundraiser on Saturday.
Eels greats Mick Cronin, Ray Price and others were at Rosehill Gardens and offered themselves as drawcards to Kidney Health Australia, a non-profit group that fights kidney disease.
Those at the track included Eric Grothe Sr, Brett Kenny, David Liddiard, Bob OReilly, Mark Laurie and Peter Wynn.
Grothe told the Advertiser players from the `81-`83 and `86 premiership teams were staying at Rydges Parramatta for the weekend and had planned a day at the races.
Then they learned of the fundraiser through hotel management and, rather than shun the usual autograph hunters and `have-a-chats, Grothe and his mates were happy to be involved.
``We were coming to the races anyway, he said.
``But kidneys can be a big part of peoples lives and if we can help in any way, we will.
The free food and beers wouldnt have hurt, either.
While none of the retired Eels have personal experience of kidney disease, some of the battlers and messages of the day were not lost on `the Guru.
``You hear of a 70-year-old who has got kidney disease and you know something like that can happen to you at any time.
``When we played football, we played hard and we partied hard. So youve got to make sure you do the right thing as you get older.
Yet among the attendees, there was one story that serves as a warning to everyone.
Craig Everett, 41, had travelled down from Mudgee for the `Racing to Save Lives event.
The coalminers wife had overcome a 14-month battle with breast cancer last year when she urged him to undergo similar checks.
Mr Everett had lived a relatively healthy life but did as his wife asked.
He asked a doctor to examine him for prostate cancer but was told to come back when he was 50 years old.
``I wasnt happy about that, he said of the doctors response.
Instead, Mr Everett went to another doctor for blood checks. That doctor found he had high levels of triglyceride in his blood, a type of fat.
The doctor sent his patient for an ultrasound, which yielded a shocking result.
The father of one had a seven-centimetre by seven-centimetre growth on his kidney.
``The doctor told me had they not found it, they wouldnt have been able to operate, Mr Everett said.
``He said I would have only had a few years to live.
Yet Mr Everett was ready for the fight.
``My first reaction was `we can beat this, because of what my wife went through, he said.
``I said `oh bugger, lets get in, get it done and beat it.
Mr Everett had surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and, three months later, had recovered.
He has become an advocate for early detection and has inspired many of his friends to visit the doctor for checks.
He may not be a mechanic, but his philosophy stems from the preoccupation many of us have in the health of our motor vehicles.
``You get your car serviced regularly, so why not get yourself checked out.
