Over $50,000 was raised for injured teenager Will Murray at Richmond’s player-driven fundraising event at the Club last Friday night.
The Tigers, along with the broader football community, have rallied around the 14-year-old who suffered a devastating neck injury jumping off a pier at Half Moon Bay in January.
Over 150 people attended the Friday night event, with enough money raised to buy a custom bed for Will.
Will is recovering in the Royal Children’s Hospital from surgery to remove his C5 vertebrae, which left him a quadriplegic.
Richmond defender Dylan Grimes has spearheaded Richmond’s fundraising for Will and was instrumental in organising the fundraising night, alongside the entire playing group.
Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt entertained guests as they auctioned items, while Ivan Maric, Ty Vickery and David Astbury sold raffle tickets.
Tiger great Matthew Richardson hosted the night, which was attended by the Club executive, corporate partners, staff, coterie members and Will’s family.
Richmond partners dug deep as Jeep made a significant donation, Bingle contributed a corporate box, Décor donated a custom kitchen pack, and Hostplus put up flights to the Club’s Round 23 match against Sydney at the SCG.
Harvey Norman also donated appliances and electronics, Etihad Stadium and Ticketmaster chipped in with tickets and dining packages, while the players contributed unique experiences and signed merchandise.
A tribute match will be held for Will, as a curtain-raiser to Richmond’s NAB Challenge match against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
The curtain-raiser will be a rematch of last year’s Southern Metropolitan Junior Football League under-13 division 1 Grand Final – Will's last game with his East Sandringham teammates.
Will's close friends and teammates at East Sandringham, Luke Cleary and Josh Duscher, will both wear his No.19 for the Zebras in their clash with East Brighton Vampires.
It’s estimated $300,000 a year will be needed to fund around-the-clock home care for Will.
To donate to the Will Murray Project, visit www.wheretheresawill.com.au
Players rally for Will Murray
Over $50,000 was raised for injured teenager Will Murray at Richmond’s player-driven fundraising event at the Club last Friday night.