Kite surfer thanks donors

Woy Woy resident Mr Richard Johnston has said he was "eternally grateful" to the Peninsula community for its generosity and support following a kite surfing accident which left him critically injured last December.

More than 200 residents attended a benefit night at Woy Woy Sporties on February 28, to raise $7645 for Mr Johnston and his family through ticket and auction sales.

Event organiser Mr Bob Jackson said Mr Johnston and his wife Caroline were bowled over by the attendance and generosity shown on the night.

"A couple of the main auction items attracted a lot of attention including a Balmain Tigers signed and framed jersey which went for $870 and a signed surfboard by Tom Carroll which went for $1000," Mr Jackson said.

"Richard intends to use the money to pay a number of outstanding bills that have accumulated while he's been laid up and to help with upcoming medical costs.

"In addition to raising much needed funds for a struggling local family, the night went over extremely well and everyone commented on what a good time was had by all."

Mr Johnston thanked everyone who contributed to the evening including entertainers, club staff, event organisers, local media and residents.

"To everyone involved, you have helped us through a traumatic and difficult time for which we are eternally grateful," Mr Johnston said.

"As Murphy's law would have it, the accident couldn't have happened at a worse time as I hadn't paid my insurance to help afford some Christmas presents for the kids.

"The bank account was empty, the credit card maxed out and I was scratching around for work."

Email, 16 Mar 2009 Bob Jackson, Pluggedin Music