SHANE Romer, together with his wife Gwenda, “Sunsbury”, Crookwell, know what it is like to face adversity.
Mrs Romer was just 34 years of age when she was first diagnosed with cancer. It has returned twice, the last time just 18 months ago. The mother of three is not in remission, but says she is well on the way. Monthly scans and blood tests are still part of her regime.
Yet through their own hardship they have turned their attention to helping two fellow families who have a long road of recovery in front of them.
A rising young footballer, Bradley Hayes, was injured playing Rugby League in July this year. The 16-year-old suffered a dislocated and pinching spine which has left him a paraplegic Mr Hayes is now recovering in the Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, which heralds the leading spinal unit in Australia.
In October Courtney Keady, a 26-year-old, from Crookwell had been diagnosed with a 12 millimetre brain tumour on her Pineal Gland. After receiving the diagnosis in June she was told it was inoperable.
Fortunately internationally recognised brain surgeon and Director of Sydney’s Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Charlie Teo, said it was operable. But the surgery came at a cost of $110,000.
Ms Keady underwent a successful surgery on November 16, she now faces a slow recovery.
“This little town has done a lot, but we need help from other areas,” Mrs Romer said.
“We want to create awareness to influence and persuade others to do the same thing. It’s not just about the financial support, it’s the emotional side as well.
“This will be ongoing for both families. They both have a lot of rehabilitation ahead of them.”
They Romers run 900 Merino ewes to which Border Leicesters are put over to breed first cross ewes with numbers depending on the season. Alongside this they run a small herd of mixed breed cows and calves. Mr Romer sells a number of Border Leicester rams to clients through his stud, Sunsbury Border Leicesters.
The Romers are offering two 22-month-old Border Leicester rams through AuctionsPlus on Tuesday December 6.
All monies made will go to the Hayes and Keady families.
Matt Joseph, Landmark Goulburn, said both AuctionsPlus and Landmark are doing everything in their means to assist with the raising of funds.
“All AuctionsPlus fees and advertising are free of charge,” Mr Joseph said.
“As well as Landmark providing all services free of charge they will also donate 10 per cent on top of what the rams make.”
