Paul Worsteling with parents Henny and Hans. The local business and fishing identity said the family had been rocked by the recent death of his niece Courtney Park to asthma.By Callan Date
LOCAL fishing identity Paul Worsteling and the Rotary Club of Cranbourne have joined the battle against asthma after a Cranbourne teenager was lost to the disease only weeks ago.
Mr Worsteling was guest speaker at the Rotary club’s business breakfast on Tuesday and told the big crowd how he and his family had been affected by the death of his 17-year-old niece Courtney Park.
He explained how the tragedy unfolded eight weeks ago when friends and family had gathered at his niece’s 17th birthday to celebrate the special day.
“The girls were just having a pillow fight at Courtney’s party when the asthma set in and she started having an attack,” he said.
Mr Worsteling said Courtney battled on bravely in hospital but her family was forced to make the agonising decision to turn off the life support machine after a few days.
He said he was fortunate to be able to speak to his niece before her death and wish her all the best for her birthday.
“I was going away fishing for the weekend and I thought I would just give her a call when I got back, but my wife said I should call her before I left,” he said.
Mr Worsteling is grateful that he listened and got to speak to Courtney one last time.
“Now, even more than before, I really make a point of going to every family gathering and ensure that I speak to my family and tell them how much I care for them,” he said.
All proceeds from the Rotary breakfast were donated to the Australian Asthma Foundation, a charity now close to Mr Worsteling’s heart.
“I am more than happy to give my time up for a charity and I hope to be able to help out the Asthma Foundation in the future,” he said.
He told the crowd that he now had the attitude that “life is too short to not be enjoying it”.
the breakfast, page 8.
