By Kirstie Fitzgerald
It was a regular Wednesday afternoon for the Guode family who were travelling along Manor Lakes Boulevard on what was supposed to be a normal day.
Yet little did they know their lives would be turned upside down forever when tragedy struck, with three young lives lost and another left fighting for life.
One-year-old baby boy Bol and four-year-old Anger and her twin brother Madit lost their lives after their mother's car ran off the road and plunged into Lake Gladman late last week.
Rocking the Wyndham community, the Manor Lakes Football Club has rallied together to hold a special fundraising event on Sunday April 19 to raise money and show its support for the Guode family.
Having played in a special tribute match against neighbourhood club Wyndhamvale last Saturday night, Manor Lakes President Troy Whiting said that the club was keen to help the local family.
“Although the family weren’t directly involved in the club, the Manor Lakes community has been deeply rocked by the tragedy, with many of our junior players attending the same school as the children did.
“We are such a close knit community so everyone has been saddened by the tragedy and are keen to help out where possible.”
Kicking off at Howqua Road Reserve from 3pm-6pm, the event will have a host of activities for the family to enjoy including a jumping castle, pony rides, face painting, amusement rides, a dog wash and a range of food and beverages.
A minute silence will also take place before 7pm and balloons will be released, followed by lighting of candles in memory of the three angels taken too soon.
“All funds from the day will be given directly to the Guode family to assist with the financial strain they may encounter,” Whiting said.
“The whole sporting community, along with local businesses and the people of Wyndham are urging everyone to come along and donate and to show your support for a very heart torn family.”
Whiting said that if the support shown at last Saturday’s tribute match was anything to go by, then the turnout from the local community on Sunday should be promising.
“Obviously last Saturday’s night match was very emotional for all, but it just shows that two competing teams can put their on-field rivalries aside and pay their respects to three young children from our community who were taken far too soon.”
If you would like to donate to the Manor Lakes FC fundraiser, please contact Troy Whiting 0412-358-868 or visit our website www.wrfl.asn.au
Last Modified on 16/04/2015 13:24