Northern Beaches stalwart Glenn is visited by Wellbeing Officers

Article courtesy of Ken Vessey – Men of League Foundation Northern Sydney Committee

The Northern Sydney Committee are most fortunate to know Men of League Foundation member and stalwart, Brian Friend. More commonly known as ‘Friendly’, Brian continually supports the committee’s endeavours through his reliable attendance at functions, as well as referring wellbeing matters.

This was the case recently when Friendly referred the plight of one of his lifelong Mates, Glenn Farrell, who was recovering from major surgery. Arrangements were made for Friendly to accompany Wellbeing Officers Norm Pounder, Fred Jackson and Ken Vessey to see Glenn at his Northern Beaches home.

This visit turned out to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable visits for the committee in the last eight years. Glenn turned out to be a true Avalon person, having been fortunate to live there his entire life.

Over the years, Glenn became involved in rugby league by playing with the Avalon Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Football Club as a sleek winger & fullback, before later becoming involved as a Committee Member. Glenn then served as President from the years of 2006-2011, and was inducted as a Life Member in 2016.

His three sons, Dylan (18), Tyson (17) and Kane (13) all play for the Avalon Bulldogs and are talented players. All of the boys support the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

Glenn, his wife Heidi and their three sons have been through traumatic times recently. Glenn was diagnosed with a one-in-a-million type of brain tumour and underwent an incredibly serious operation that lasted 15 ½ hours and utilised the experience of 14 surgeons at different stages throughout.

Thankfully, the tumour was benign and Glenn is now undertaking his recovery procedures with great gusto, courage and support of his family and many friends.

He expressed his sincere thanks for all the support and encouragement he has received from his family and the countless members of the community who have sent him words of support. Mike Stephenson, (ex-Great Britain international, Penrith Panthers rugby league player and Glenn’s Best Man) even returned from overseas to support him and the family during this period of hardship.

Glenn was presented with a Men of League Foundation polo shirt for his contributions and support to rugby league throughout his life.

Glenn was overjoyed by the committees visit, thanked them for the shirt and wished the Men of League Foundation continued success for the future.