Latest update on David Galvin's return home.

 

On the 9th of August 2010 David Galvin returned home after over 10 months in PA Hospital, David had several overnight visits home and during these visits Renee realised the access issues David would be faced with when he was at home long term.

 

During conversations with Renee, several of his QFRS mates decided to do something about it, the idea was blatantly stolen from Channel 9’s Backyard/Domestic Blitz. Originally an official application was started for a Domestic Blitz, only to find out they had finished filming for the year. During this process A Current Affair expressed an interest in being involved and filming the project.

 

After a couple of meetings trying to get things organised it appeared nothing would happen before David returned home on the 9^th and then on July 28^th ACA officially came on board and it was decided to go for it and aim to have it done before Dave arrived home. The scope of work proposed,, would give Dave the access required and some usable family areas, but it was big to say the least. Fortunately Firefighters are good at reactive.

 

With 11 days before David arrived home, QFRS support and approval was sought and granted by the Commissioner, sponsors were approached and volunteers were recruited, work began on the 30^th of July 2010. Sincere apologies are offered by the organisers, to those who did not know or hear about it or who did not have the opportunity to help out, but things happened very quickly after the go ahead was given.

 

 

Lack of help was never a problem, most days there were a minimum of 30 people per day, with a maximum of 70 people on the general working bee day Friday 6th, a core of about 10 people were there nearly everyday, a further 20 or so people came 2 or 3 days out of the 11 days of the project, which means we had about 250 people involved over the 11 days and given the short time frames not everyone was aware it was happening. Again the organisers apologise for this.

 

The volunteers consisted of Firefighters from “C’ Shift and Roma St, Firefighters from all shifts who new Dave, Firecom Staff, Retired Firefighters, Senior Officers and some new Firefighters who had never met David, but just wanted to be apart of helping a fellow Firefighter out. Neighbours lent a hand, Friends and Firefighter’s partners helped Renee to feed the workers and an enormous amount of work was achieved in 11 days.

 

A large deck was built on the rear of the family home with pathways from the garage to the deck and a path leading an outdoor Gazebo area complete with a fireplace and views from Samford to the mountains. The deck and pathways allow David access to all areas of his home in either his wheelchair or his bed and in the week David has been home, David and his family have said the additional access has already proven invaluable.

 

David was completely unaware of anything happening at his home, his last visit was a fortnight before the 9th, so as you can imagine he was shocked, awed and overwhelmed by the changes to his home and the hundreds of people that were there to welcome him home. One of his first comments was to his wife "are you sure you brought me to the right house?"

 

Channel Nine A Current Affair have informed us that at this stage the show will screen on Friday evening 20/08/10 at  6.30 pm, confirmation or any changes to this will be sent via email as soon as we know. I would ask that if you know people that are interested in seeing the story that may not get this information or the email because of being off shift etc, please pass on the confirmed date and time when it is sent.  

 

David and his family have asked that I pass on their sincerest thanks to everyone that has been involved in supporting, fundraising, and helping in so many ways since David's accident, they are truly overwhelmed and humbled by your generosity and kindness.

 

Senior Firefighter Arnie Elhers has has been a great mate of David's for many years, and has been a great supporter of Dave's since the accident. With his passion for adventure and his genuine want to help David, Arnie has planned another personal challenge, last week he decided to ride his pushbike to school with his daughter on Wednesday morning 18/08/10, then just continue to ride unassisted on a mountain bike towing a small trailer with essential equipment only, on to Birdsville, to meet up with some friends at the Birdsville races.

 

Arnie is expecting it will take about 2 weeks and after he and Mark Vaughan successfully rode across the Nullarbor, I'm quiet sure he will succeed again and we wish him all the best. Arnie is riding to raise money for David again, but this time he wants to focus his fundraising efforts along the way and at the Birdsville races. Information on the progress of Arnie's ride and how to support him will be available on a blogsite and these details will be provided as soon as they are set up. I'm sure you will all join with me in wishing Arnie a safe and trouble free journey.

 

To support Arnie and raise funds for David, donations can be made to The David Galvin Appeal Commbank BSB 064002 Account number 10351864.

 

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