Dave Miles – Man of Courage by Ken Vessey

Welfare Officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey visited Dave Miles for the first time recently and were taken aback by Dave’s courage and determination as he spoke about his rugby league playing days and subsequent years since being seriously injured in 1990. In 1990 Dave was a fit 24 year old, who played hooker in the Valley United Junior Rugby League Club “A” grade team. During a match against the Belrose Eagles Junior Rugby League Club he broke his neck when a scrum collapsed on him, leaving him a quadriplegic.

Dave spoke glowingly of the constant assistance and support he receives from his mother, family members and his many friends who have stuck by him since the accident. When up to it, he is able go with his friends to watch his Valley United teams play and on a hot day, visit the Harbord ‘Hilton’ Hotel for a few cold beers. Some seven weeks ago Dave was accidentally dropped by his carers resulting in him contracting pneumonia, now recovered from that, but worse still, he broke both of his legs and he is now resting pending further medical advice/treatment in the near future.
 
The Men of League have previously assisted Dave with the installation of an air conditioning unit, which is still providing great comfort for him. We presented him with a Men of League polo shirt and wished him all the best in his ongoing recovery with his broken legs and general health. In return he was appreciative for our visit, gifts and he wished the Men of League continued success in their welfare activities. We will continue to monitor any future avenues of Men of League assistance for Dave.