General News
28 June, 2024
Big Freeze: Sporting support for dunk at Serpentine time on Saturday
By CHRIS EARL PAT Russell vividly remembers the first sign that things might not be too good. He was installing a swimming pool at Bullarto deep in Victoria’s Central Highlands in the winter of 2019. “My right hand just seized up ... thought...
By CHRIS EARL
PAT Russell vividly remembers the first sign that things might not be too good.
He was installing a swimming pool at Bullarto deep in Victoria’s Central Highlands in the winter of 2019.
“My right hand just seized up ... thought nothing of it at the time. It was cold, freezing and had been snowing a few days before,” said the Bears Lagoon Football Club reserves coach.
That was until last year when after a visit to the doctor and tests confirmed he had debilitating Motor Neurone Disease.
“June 5 last year ... the Monday before the MND Big Freeze as part of the AFL round in Melbourne,” said Pat.
Just over 12 months on Pat, wife Chelsea and children Imogen and Jye are adapting to a very different life.
Last week he “retired”, taking each day as it comes and making the most of time with family and friends. Time is an unknown but Pat is determined to enjoy every day.
And on Saturday, he will be the reason Loddon Valley football, and netball clubs are throwing support behind an MND fundraising round at Serpentine.
“We set a target of $3000 but that’s already been broken and we could perhaps reach $7000 or more,” said Chelsea.
Chelsea was “recruited” to play netball at Serpentine soon after Pat arrived as a footballer in 2010. She had been at Newbridge and her old club has already chipped in $1000 for the fundraiser.
Serpentine’s opponent this weekend, Inglewood, is backing the cause and will have netballers and footballers take the slide into ice water after the senior football match.
President Greg Gadsden says Loddon Valley clubs have thrown huge support behind the day.
“Pat’s not a local but he and the family have been around the club, he’s pretty much considered one,” said Greg.
“He’s affable, likeable, engaging and great for Serpentine and the club. And its not just our own members and supporters backing Pat and his family to raise funds and awareness of MND. I was at a meeting of club presidents on Monday and the support from every other club was amazing.”
Pat isn’t too keen on the spotlight and says the support, especially from his reserves players as he continues to coach them, is a combination of exciting, humbling and surreal.
“Exciting for the let’s do it attitude, humbling ... I don’t like talking about myself, surreal with what is happening,” he said.
The most surreal moment was on the King’s Birthday Weekend. He joined Collingwood, coached by brother-in-law Craig McRae, raising awareness of MND.
Pat laughs when it’s suggested he might become the Daniher of the Bush. Former AFL coach Neale Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and has since become an ambassador and fundraiser.
“It was something though to lead Collingwood in the club song after they beat Melbourne in the Big Freeze round. I also got to speak with the playing group and spend time with old school mate (former Geelong player and now Collingwood development coach) Scott Selwood Commitments didn’t make it possible to catch up with Neale that day but there are plans to get us together.”
Pat and Chelsea admit the 12 months since diagnosis have been no walk in the park.
“My outlook (on life) has changed ... It’s no good being grumpy. So I channel all my efforts into doing things.”
Chelsea said Pat’s diagnosis had been a shock. “I had heard of MND but didn’t know anyone with the disease or so young.”
Pat was diagnosed at aged 34. MND is not detected in most people until their 50s or 60s.
The couple are stoked with the outpouring of support since Pat’s diagnosis but also the enthusiasm to back fundraising activities.
“Everyone is really happy to do their bit,” said Chelsea.
“And it’s lovely to see other clubs ... it’s more about community awareness of MND than anything.”
The Russells don’t know exactly what the future looks like. “No idea,” said Pat. “We’ll just keep creating memories with friends, family and being part of the great spirit that shines in country football and netball.”
Chelsea adds: “We just want to help find a cure for this horrid thing.”
MND fundraising merchandise will be on sale at Saturday’s match at Janiember Park, Serpentine, while a large crowd is expected to stay to watch the Big Freeze after the final siren.
“It’ll be good seeing Jayden Gladman and a few others going into the tank,” Pat said with a glint of excitement in the eye.