On Friday 6 November 2015, Dyldam Parramatta Eels players Tim Mannah, David Gower and Anthony Watmough visited the Children’s Hospital at Westmead to take part in the 2UE Radiothon.
Mannah, Gower and Watmough, along with other guests and sporting stars from various codes, spent the afternoon taking part in ‘Race for Grace’, a 24 hour stationary bike ride, raising funds for the Grace Centre for Newborn Care, whilst happily taking photos and signing autographs for visitors and patients.
“It’s been a tough first week back at training so it’s probably good to roll the legs over on the bike but more importantly it’s great being here for a good cause,” Gower said.
“The Grace Centre for Newborn Care is a fantastic organisation who do great things here at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.”
The Race for Grace was well supported by the families and various guests in attendance for the non-stop 24-hour ride and Gower encouraged all to get behind the great cause and donate.
“The more people that can donate, the better it is. Being a father myself, with another baby due, it is fantastic to see some of the work the guys here do,” Gower said.
“Any dollar and any cent we can raise, is going to help a lot of families moving forward. It’s a great cause, the race is fantastic, and everyone is behind it which is great.”
“It is great that 2UE get on board, it gives it a broader reach and hopefully nationally, but like I said, the more people that donate the better it is going to be for the Grace Centre, the babies and families of the parents who need assistance moving forward.” Gower added.
The Blue and Gold have a long-standing relationship with The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, spanning nearly two decades and Gower said the club visits were always rewarding.
“As a club we love coming here doing our ward tours, and especially around Christmas time, we come and bring the kids a whole heap of presents,” Gower said.
“Sometimes it’s great to just see the families and the struggles they go through and for us to take their mind of it, even for only 5-10 minutes. It’s a great thing and we get a lot of joy and pride out of that.”
As part of the Eels and Parramatta Leagues Club ‘Club Grants Scheme’, the club was proud to donate $10,000 to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead on the day.
