The Savige Pest Control Ipswich Jets are delighted to announce our inaugural Golf Day for 2019 will in part, help raise funds for one of our own; former player Tu’u Maori. Tu’u is a former Ipswich Jets player who captained our victorious 2015 BRL Grand Final game and who in February 2019, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
CEO Richard Hughes said, “When we heard of Tu’u’s diagnosis, we knew as a Club we needed to provide support to Tu’u, his partner Sally and their family. MND is a cruel disease, it doesn’t discriminate, is rapid and has no cure”.
He continued “Our inaugural Jets Golf Day on Friday 16th August is going to be a great way to raise funds to support Tu’u and bring much needed attention and awareness to this life-threatening disease. All funds raised on the day will be donated to Tu’u to help him on this most difficult of journeys”.
We are pleased to introduce Jet #534 Tu’u Maori, in his own words…
“Hello and Greetings to you all. My name is Tu’u Gray Maori and I was “once” a healthy and strong rugby league player. A rugby ball was my best friend. As a child I first grabbed a rugby ball as soon as I could walk.
My love of the game has seen me play for the Richmond Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, Melbourne Storm and proudly represented Papua New Guinea, before settling in Brisbane and playing for the Ipswich Jets. Yes #IAMAJET and I played for the Ipswich Jets for six years. In 2015 I was given the great honor and privilege to Captain the Ipswich Jets BRL team to the finals and won. A milestone I will never forget.
My life is rugby league; always has been and always will be. However, in early February 2019 my life took a turn, when I was diagnosed with MND (Motor Neuron Disease).
Once I was diagnosed, my life has not been the same. I not only lost myself, I lost my job, I nearly lost my home, I lost my self-confidence and I’m losing my ability to drive. I was lost in a maze where I couldn’t find my way out. My muscles were weakening and are continuing to weaken rapidly. I struggle to come to terms with my condition daily, but with the support of my family and friends I will continue to fight.
Being part of a Club that values its people like the Ipswich Jets, gives me more strength and it is of great comfort to know that even off the rugby league field the club is looking out for me and the people who support me.
I can only ask you all for your help and join me in Fighting MND and finding a cure.
With a lot of love and respect,
Tu’u G Maori #IAMAJET
The Ipswich Jets Golf Day will be held on Friday 16th August 2019, at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club. For all enquiries please contact our CEO Richard Hughes on email jetsadmin@ipswichjets.com.au