THE Ballarat and Western Melbourne sporting communities are throwing their support behind a fundraiser which has been launched to assist Melton footballer Dyson Stevens in his recovery from spinal injuries sustained in the game earlier this year.
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A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched by Stevens' sister Ebony as her brother recovers in a rehabilitation centre in Kew after the freak on-field incident left with him with significant spinal injuries.
"He damaged his C4 and shattered his C5 bone, which caused severe damage to his spinal cord," Ebony said.
"From that very moment, Dyson's life changed forever."
"Since the incident, Dyson has had two surgeries and was also in an induced coma.
"He spent three weeks in the Austin Hospital, in which seven of those days were in ICU and the other 14 in the spinal ward in recovery."
To donate, head to the GoFundMe page here.
On June 1 he was moved to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre in Kew, but due to COVID lockdown protocols, he has not been able to receive any visitors as yet.
"He will spend significant time relearning, training and preparing his body for his life outside of hospital," Ebony said.
She said the hope of the fundraiser would enable him to live as close to a normal life as possible going forward.
"Our aim is to raise funds to try and pay for all things Dyson requires to adapt to his new lifestyle when he finally arrives home," she said.
"He is a passionate sportsman, fitness fanatic, a disciplined and hard working man and the person you could always count on.
"He lights up the room with his infectious energy and has a heart of gold - he is simply an amazing person. "We want to give him everything he needs to live the best quality life possible, given the new challenges he will be faced with.
"We pray for the day Dyson can move his hands and legs again."
As of Tuesday, the fundraiser which has been online since Sunday had already raised just short of $80,000.
Melton Football Netball Club president Brian McNabb said the club had been blown away by the support it had received, including from one of its major rivals for this season's BFNL premiership.
"I think it's just an incredible situation as to how people do react in a time of need for this family," he said.
"I have to make a special mention to East Point when we played them, the club made a large donation and a week later their past players did something similar.
"We were just blown away with that support."
Melton's footballers have dropped just one match so far this season, with McNabb admitting there was an edge to the whole club in order to their teammate proud.
"The club itself has always been extremely close, but this for everyone involved - the playing group, the supporters and members - has brought everything into perspective.
"Before the game here he is, he's got me, the club president in a head lock and an hour later this happens, it's frightening to think something like that can happen.
"There is a lot of talk around the place about 'Do it for Dyson' at all levels, the 19s, reserves, netballers, ladies football, everyone has really pulled together."
McNabb also said he wanted to thank those who have donated to the cause.
"You go through the donations and see someone who's donated $5 and you know that's a little kid who wants to help.
"It's so humbling to see and we can't thank them enough for all their ongoing support."
McNabb said he hoped the BFNL season would be able to resume in the coming weeks.
"The Ballarat Football Netball League is in a bit of a weird position given the three what you would call the 'Eastern Block' teams are still in lockdown," he said.
"So we'll just work with the league and do the best we can in the meantime to see what can be achieved.
"To me, an 11 rounds where everyone got a chance to play everyone would constitute a season and if we're able to get a few more double up games, that's a bonus."
To donate, head to the GoFundMe page here.
