Thursday, 20 June 2013

Golf ball explosive cannot destroy boy’s love of sport.


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.

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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