Noel and don battle on

Noel Hinton. a former Ngaruawahia (New Zealand) halfback, was pleased to receive a visit from Gold Coast Men of League members Greg Sylvester and Graham Farrar.

Noel began his career as a schoolboy and represented North Island in 1952 and played all his senior football for Ngaruawahia, retiring in 1965.

Noel’s brother Owen, a fullback, was named as a reserve for Ngaruawahia team of the century.

Eight years ago, Noel was operated on for prostate cancer, but unfortunately the cancer has returned and he is now receiving chemotherapy treatment in an attempt to halt the spreading of  this insidious disease.

It is why another member of the footy fraternity, Don Townsend, described his surprise visit from Men of League welfare officersas “the greatest buzz” he had received in years.

Don greatly appreciated the visit from Gold Coast Men of League members Greg Sylvester, Tom Bishop, and Bob Honan at the Sandbrook Assisted Aged Care complex in Burleigh Waters.

Although suffering dementia,  Don is still extremely fit and agile.

He played centre for Western Suburbs in the Illawarra and Wollongong competitions.

Keith Barnes was a representative teammate for Illawarra, whilst Graeme Langlands was a great mate as he was progressing through the grades.

Anyone wishing to contact Don, especially his former teammates and friends, can do so by phoning the SandBrook Aged Care facility on (07) 5522 0111.