An incredible labour of love to help injured sportsman Nick Dempsey is taking shape at Thurgoona.
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The efforts of a committed band of volunteers has seen the brick work finalised on a house that will be auctioned later this year to raise money towards Nick’s ongoing rehabilitation.
An apprentice plumber, water polo player and footballer, Nick was diagnosed with C4 quadriplegia after a diving accident on his 21st birthday in January, 2017.
The Nick’s Journey committee is overseeing work on the four-bedroom home in Iluka Views Estate, off Kerr Road.
Committee member Leanne Luhrs said the house was almost at lock-up stage and she expected it to go on the market in spring.
There’s no doubt this will be the house that love built with the number of volunteer hours and generous donations that have already gone towards its construction.
“A lot of Nick’s friends are tradies and have given their time, which is absolutely priceless,” Ms Luhrs said.
“It has given them an outlet to support him in a practical and meaningful way.
“Given our links to the building industry, it was a natural thing to organise a group to build a house that would create a big injection of funding to support Nick’s rehabilitation.”
Ms Luhrs said Nick was a “very determined young man” and the committee wanted to give him the best shot at maximising his recovery.
“Many of the rehabilitation options and clinics are not covered by standard funding so the sale of this house will provide Nick with the opportunity to keep challenging himself,” she said.
During the past few weekends, volunteer electricians have been busy installing wiring at the house, a specialised lighting system has gone in as well as some of the plumbing.
The committee is currently putting out a call for a tile company that might be interested in supplying the tiles needed for the wet areas.
“We are trying to make this house as saleable as possible with state-of-the-art features,” Ms Luhrs said.
“Prior to auction there will be four open-house weekends, where the companies who have donated goods will able to showcase their work.”
Meanwhile the second Dip 4 Dempsey swim competition will be held on March 9.
Registrations are open for the fundraiser, which includes an under-14 and open 500-metre swim as well as a two-kilometre trek for seasoned swimmers.
Organiser Nash Clark said he expected more than 180 swimmers again and hoped to match the $10,000 raised at last year’s swim.
- For details or to register go to the Dip 4 Dempsey Facebook page