Thanks to Westpac and the support of
Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale, fifteen year old explosives victim Michael Boggan
is smiling again.
Involved in the May 10 Ipswich backyard
explosion, Michael has been in intensive care for the past five weeks and is
expected to undergo dozens of surgical procedures in the future in an attempt
to repair the damage done to his hands.
Released from
hospital only last Monday, Westpac and Paul Pisasale organised for Michael and
a few family and friends to attend the Wests Tigers versus Broncos match at
Suncorp stadium.
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A night off: Tim Moltzen and Lote Tuqiri greet recent victim Michael Boggan (centre left) and step father |
The Boggan
family have been on high alert over the past month, and they were able to not
only relax themselves, but see Michael relax and return to a normal life. He
was able to become a regular teenager again and cheer on his favourite rugby
league team.
Westpac representative, Michael Robertson who attended the night had one
more surprise for Michael and his family. Upon entering the stadium they were
greeted by star players of the Wests Tigers and Michael’s idols Lote Tuqiri and Tim Moltzen.
“This is awesome” Michael Boggan said in
disbelief.
For one
night he wasn’t a hospital patient, he was just a fifteen year old boy again
cheering his heart out for his team.
His family
were just as speechless as he was about the night.
“I cannot
thank you enough” said step father of Michael, Mick Clifton to Westpac’s Mr
Robertson.
Both
Pisasale and Westpac had given the Boggan family a night off, and whilst this
doesn’t mend Michael’s injuries, they have allowed him to enjoy himself;
something he hasn’t done since the accident. Mr Clifton says that a night
completely removed from hospital beds, and paying bills and worrying about Michael’s
future is exactly what they need.
“This is the
best day of my life” says Mr Clifton.
This is just
one of many ways in which Paul Pisasale has supported the Boggan family over
the past month. From often visiting Michael in hospital to leading the aid
campaign for the family, the mayor has actively involved himself in doing
everything he can to see Michael can return to a normal life.
Westpac donated
their money and time to the Boggan family as part of their commitment to
strengthen their ongoing commitment to supporting the Ipswich council and to support
the community members of Ipswich. The Boggan family’s case is just one example
of the current pledge that Westpac have to foster a strong relationship with
the people of Ipswich.
Mr Robertson
also says that this would not have happened without the support of the Wests
Tigers and the generosity of their general manager Grant Mayer and community, welfare
and education manager Yvette Downey for organising the players to meet Michael
and create such a memorable evening for him and his family.
Written by
Nic Robertson
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