Industry Unites To Help Amy

The greyhound racing industry receives its fair share of criticism on a wide variety of issues, from prize money and grading through to welfare and integrity however, if there is one thing it can be applauded on, it is the way that enthusiasts unite to help each other in times of need.

This was highlighted in Victoria recently when a 22 year old trainer, Amy O'Keefe, was involved in a serious car accident involving a tip truck on her way home from Warragul greyhounds. Amy was left seriously injured and is currently in the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Friend and fellow greyhound trainer, Peter Delahunty, explained the situation at hand.

“The car was a complete write off and she nearly was too. She has a broken pelvis, broken ribs and a few other injuries” Delahunty said.

“She is slowly recovering but it is going to be a ”.

Since the accident, Amy has undergone surgery to repair her broken pelvis however, it is part of a long procedure and she is expected to remain in hospital for several months.

“She was in an induced coma for 4 or 5 days until she was stable and they could operate. She will require another operation and then they will assess what has to be done from there”.

In response, the local greyhound community and industry as a whole has united to help Amy throughout what is sure to be a difficult time in her life. On Sunday 8th September from 5:00pm, a fundraiser will be held at the Sale Greyhound track in conjunction with the club's regular weekly meeting.

Delahunty said the support from fellow trainers and enthusiasts has been enormous and commends everyone on joining together to lend a hand.

“In the first couple of days after the accident we had heaps of people call to donate items for the fundraiser”.

“It is typical of the greyhound racing fraternity- when someone is in trouble they come to their aid”.

It is hoped that it is of some comfort to Amy, a devoted greyhound racing enthusiast, to know that so many people are behind her and willing to support her through this challenge, so that one day in the future she can be back on the track with her beloved chasers.

“Amy is a very popular and likeable young girl”, Delahunty enthused, “She is also a very determined young girl and she is very strong”.

“She might be feeling physically well in a couple of months but it will be a while before she can handle the dogs again”.

“The aim is to get her back on her feet so she can get back to the races and what she loves”.

“She can't have an operation, jump out of her bed and run a marathon, it is going to be a long road so we are trying to support her and do anything we can to help her out”.

This Sunday's Auction features some fantastic items with something that would be appealing for any trainer, breeder or owner.

The items up for grabs are as follows:
Services to: Smooth Fancy, Vee Man Vane, Addis Boy, Don't Knocka Him, , Elite State, , Westmead Osprey, Fear Zafonic, Magic Sprite, , El Grand Senor, Stagger, Symmetry, , Hutmaker, Galba Jack (Natural Service), Cash Express (Natural Service), Trendy Leigh, Bobby Boucheau, Razldazl JFK, , Lord Ducal, Nitro Burst (Straw), Nolen (Natural Service), Spring Gun, , Mountain Dry and Boris Reigns (Natural Service).

There are also several nice pups on offer including:
Fabregas x Spring Marina pup, pup, State Your Bet x Red Cassie pup and a 10% share in a Bekim Bale x Rapt In Gems pup.

If that's not enough, there is also a wide selection of other goods and services to be auctioned such as:
Yoghurt Makers, handmade handbags, tickets to ‘The Graduate' and ‘One Electric Day', Cadel Evans framed and signed merchandise, dinner packages for Sandown, Bendigo and Geelong Greyhound Clubs, trial cards for and Sandown, a North Melbourne Football Jumper, breaking-in packages, greyhound goodies, dog checks at the Sandown Vet Clinic, a framed St. Kilda Jumper, Port Adelaide Football Jumper, Football Jumper and a greyhound painting.

The official list with the names of those generous people and businesses that donated items is available from the Sale Greyhound Racing Club.

Those who are not able to make it to the track for the fundraiser on Sunday and would like to show their support for Amy in this difficult time can do so by making a monetary donation into the following bank account. The account is being administered by The Sale Greyhound Racing Club for the sole purpose of collecting donations for Amy.


BENDIGO BANK
BSB: 633000
ACCOUNT NO: 150173086

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Chris van Vegchel
Chris van Vegchel
10 years ago

Amazing how we can unite for a good cause like this but can’t to help ourselves get a better deal for greyhound racing in NSW. Nothing but bickering and back stabbing.

Katherine Ernst
Katherine Ernst
10 years ago

Chris van Vegchel GRV are miles ahead……..they do a great job

Chris van Vegchel
Chris van Vegchel
10 years ago

They sure are.

Chris van Vegchel
Chris van Vegchel
10 years ago

Amazing how we can unite for a good cause like this but can’t to help ourselves get a better deal for greyhound racing in NSW. Nothing but bickering and back stabbing.

Kat Ernst
Kat Ernst
10 years ago

Chris van Vegchel GRV are miles ahead……..they do a great job

Chris van Vegchel
Chris van Vegchel
10 years ago

They sure are.