“I’VE always said you get dealt a hand, you can either throw it in, or fight it.”
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Junee’s Daryn Deacon has taken heart from the support he’s received.
A family touch football carnival has been organised by Mick McCarthy, Tom Brandon and Steve Foley to help Mr Deacon, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
“The Junee community has just been unbelievable,” Mr Deacon said.
Mr Deacon was shocked at the news he would have a fundraiser organised.
“It was a bit of a shock when I first heard about it,” he said.
“I’m not sure what to say other than thank you.”
It’s not the first community fundraiser which Mr Deacon has been a part of, but it’s the first one that will be for him.
“I’ve helped out for others, you do your part for the community,” he said.
Mr Deacon said pride got in the way first but, after talking with the organisers, has welcomed their initiative.
“It’s sinking in as the weeks go on,” he said.
“It’s humbling they thought enough of me.”
From his employer, to friends and family, businesses around town, former Junee residents plus others keen to help out have donated an incredible amount for an auction planned for the day.
Mr Deacon said the support he had received had proven to be extra strength for him.
“It makes me want to fight it harder,” he said.
“The friends and family support I’ve got is overwhelming, it makes me want to get up and go forward.”
This weekend the family fun day will be held at Laurie Daley Oval from 10am.
A former coach of Mr Deacon and one of the organisers, Mick McCarthy said more than $40,000 of prizes had been donated.
“It’s because of the person he is, we’ve had people just off the street ask what they can do to help,” Mr McCarthy said.
He said people in Junee wanted to help, time and time again.
Added to the community organised event is the Men of League race day on October 17 at Wagga’s Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
Wagga’s Men of League president Dave Mulrooney said Mr Deacon would be the sole beneficiary of the day.
“We’re hoping to make it a worthwhile day for Daryn.”